Ileocolic intussusception.
It’s one of the most familiar emergencies in pediatricimaging - but is it time to rethink how we manage it?
From evolving reduction techniques and global perspectiveson ultrasound-guided management, to new insights on timing, repeat attempts,patient comfort, and even emerging medical therapies — the “classic” approachis getting a fresh look.
Through expert interviews and a dynamic journal-club stylediscussion, we explore a key shift in the field: moving from aone-size-fits-all emergency mindset to a more thoughtful, patient-centeredapproach.
Because sometimes, the push that counts… is the push torethink.
Links to topics discussed in this episode:
SarkarA, Ingram ME, Tian Y, Many BT, Rizeq Y, Goldstein SD, Rigsby CK, Raval MV. ARetrospective Cohort Study of Optimal Contrast for Successful IntussusceptionReduction: Institutional Practices Matter. J Surg Res. 2021 Nov;267:159-166.
Snyder EJ,Pruthi S, Hernanz-Schulman M. Making intussusception reductions easier: use ofmedical air in lieu of manual pump. Pediatr Radiol. 2023 Feb;53(2):217-222.
Ayana CT,Feleke T, Bazezew A, Mehari Z, Yaynishet YA, Getinet T, Belina M, Hailu SS.Treatment outcome of ultrasound-guided hydrostatic reduction of intussusceptionand its associated factors among pediatric patients in a resource-limitedsetting. Pediatr Radiol. 2025 Aug;55(9):1829-1837.
Acer-DemirT, Gültekingil A, Fakıoğlu E, Güney LH, Sezer R. Successful Treatment of EarlyPresenting Intussusception With a Single Dose of Corticosteroid: A ProspectiveRandomized Controlled Trial. J Pediatr Surg. 2025 Apr;60(4):162198.
Shikha A,Ahmed M, Zaghloul Z, Eltaeb K, Wong J. Protocolized management ofintussusception in children: optimizing pneumatic reduction outcomes. PediatrSurg Int. 2025 Jul 25;41(1):231.
PoonaiN et al. Sedation and Analgesia for Reduction of Pediatric IleocolicIntussusception. JAMA Netw Open. 2023 Jun 1;6(6):e2317200.
SwedTobia R, Daya T, Desai N, Gilley M, Baird R, Poonai N, Sabhaney V.Practice-Change Pathway to Reduce Procedural Distress During IntussusceptionReduction-A Quality Improvement Initiative. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2026 Feb1;42(2):139-145.
Ma GMY,Lillehei C, Callahan MJ. Air contrast enema reduction of single and recurrentileocolic intussusceptions in children: patterns, management and outcomes.Pediatr Radiol. 2020 May;50(5):664-672.
SchuhJM, Hilt L, Bergner C, Boyd K, Van Arendonk K, Wagner AJ. Delay of IleocolicIntussusception Reduction is Safe and May Confer Benefit. J Surg Res. 2025Nov;315:790-797.
Lopez-RippeJ, Davis JC, Dennis RA, Kaplan SL, Delgado J. Impact of a 6-12-h delay betweenileocolic intussusception diagnostic US and fluoroscopic reduction on patients'outcomes. Pediatr Radiol. 2024 Jul;54(8):1294-1301.
StrubelNA, Barton K, Baran TM, Wakeman D, Chaturvedi A, Diaz E, Jha S, John SD, LalaSV, Leland K, Silva CT