Single-incision laparoscopic surgery for idiopathic intussusception in children: Comparison with conventional laparoscopy

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) for idiopathic intussusception in children and compare the outcomes with conventional laparoscopy (CLS). Methods: Between January 2011 and December 2012, patients who underwent CLS for idiopathic intussusception were assigned into the group of CLS. Between January 2013 and March 2017, patients who underwent SILS were assigned to the group of SILS. For patients who failed to reduce by SILS, bimanual transabdominal approach was conducted. Results: A total of 23 patients were enrolled, including 7 and 16 patients in SILS and CLS, respectively. The mean age was similar in both group (22.4 ± 18.7 vs. 24.6 ± 18.6 months, p = 0.80). There is no difference in gender distribution. The main indication was radiological reduction failure in both groups (85.7% vs. 75%, p = 0.58). Ileocolic intussusception was found in 6 (85.7%) and 15 (93.8%) patients of SILS and CLS, respectively (p = 0.25). The level of intussusception was at ascending colon in 3 (42.9%) and 12 (75.0%) patients, respectively (p = 0.11). The operation time was similar in both groups (64.9 ± 53.7 and 70.9 ± 26.1 min, p = 0.79). There were 2 (28.6%) and 1 (6.2%) conversions, respectively (p = 0.15). For the two patients in SILS, the intussusception was successfully reduced by bimanual transabdominal approach. There was no significant difference in time to feeding (1.9 ± 1.1 vs. 1.4 ± 0.7 days, p = 0.21). The mean length of postoperative hospital stay was 3.9 ± 1.6 and 3.1 ± 1.1 days, respectively (p = 0.17). Conclusions: SILS for pediatric intussusception is technically feasible and has comparable results to CLS. Transabdominal bimanual reduction is applicable in cases of failed laparoscopic reduction. Level of evidence: III