Intussusception among infants and children in Malaysia

The results of a 10-year study of intussusception seen in the General Hospital Kuala Lumpur is presented. Incidence among Indians was found to be the lowest in comparison to the other two major racial groups. In 63.5 percent of infants there was no pain. A large number of patients presented with diarrhoea (21.8 percent), constipation (31 percent) and abdominal distension. (43.7 percent). Overall mortality rate was high (14.4 percent). This could be attributed to late presentation (only 30.8 percent) of cases were seen within 24 hours of onset of symptoms) which also accounted for a higher resection rate. A high incidence of lead points (28.7 percent) was also seen. The usefulness of barium enema reduction in this country is discussed. Mainstay of management in the majority of cases is operation with adequate pre and postoperative care.