Mini-laparoscopic reduction of intussusception for children

The success of mini-laparoscopic cholecystectomy and splenectomy has encouraged the application of this new technique in children with non- complicated intussusception. Here, we report on the use of this technique in two children, aged 21 and 24 months, respectively, who had failed saline enema reduction of ileocolic intussusception. Under a 2-mm videoscopic visualization, the intussuscepted bowel was identified and reduced with the assistance of a 2-mm working port placed at the right lower abdominal area and a 5- to 10-mm working port placed at the supra-umbilical area. An intussuscepted lymph node at the ileocecal area, as the lead point, was removed at the time of the procedure in one child. Both patients experienced relief of symptoms the day after operation and resumed a regular diet on the first post-operative day. No recurrence or complications, including abscess and wound infection, occurred. These findings suggest that mini-laparoscopic reduction is a safe procedure for children with uncomplicated intussusception. Moreover, the procedure provides better cosmesis than conventional laparoscopic techniques.