Objective:The aim of this study was to review the incidence of postoperative intussusception (POI) in our patients with pediatric abdominal malignancies and the end result of management of these cases. Methods:From November 2007 till the end of December 2011, a total of 538 patients with different abdominal malignancies were operated upon by laparotomies in our hospital. Reoperations were required in 12 patients for post operative intestinal obstruction developed in the 1st postoperative month. Review of the identified cases focused on patient's characteristics, the primary tumor type, the primary surgical procedure, clinical and imaging features of the intussusceptions, timing and findings at the 2nd laparotomy and the end result of subsequent interventions. Results:Early post operative intestinal obstruction (within 1 month) developed in 12 patients of whom 8 patients had POI. Five patients had adhesive intestinal obstruction (one patient developed POI then adhesive obstruction). The median duration between the primary surgery and the onset of intestinal obstruction symptoms was 5 days (range 4-12 days) in the POI group and 24 days (range 10-30 days) in the adhesion group. Abdominal CT was done in all cases and it could properly diagnose POI and detect its site in the POI group while in the adhesion group it showed evidence of complete obstruction. Plain radiograph failed to detect signs of intestinal obstruction in 3 cases (two in the POI group and one in the adhesion group). In POI group simple reduction was done in 7 cases while resection anastmosis was done in 1 case due to gangrene of the ileocecal region. Adhesiolysis was done in the 5 cases of intestinal adhesion group. Conclusion:Early POI in pediatric abdominal cancer is a rare complication; however it should be kept in mind with high index of suspicion. Early diagnosis and intervention is essential for successful management. Abdominal CT is very helpful as it can detect the level and possible cause of obstruction.
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