Background: Laparoscopy has been widely used in treatment of pediatric intussusception. However, controversy still exists on the best surgical approach for children with multiple recurrences. This cohort study is aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic ileopexy versus laparoscopic simple reduction for treatment of ileocolic intussusception with three or more episodes of recurrence in pediatric patients. Patients and Methods: This study enrolled 74 children with three or more recurrences of ileocolic intussusception treated at our department between January 2016 and June 2018. Of these children, 37 cases undergoing laparoscopic ileopexy were matched with 37 cases undergoing laparoscopic simple reduction according to age. Data on patient characteristics, duration of follow-up, operative parameters, and recurrence rate after laparoscopic operation were reviewed and analyzed. Results: Patient characteristics, including age, gender, weight, number of recurrences at surgery, clinical manifestations, and duration of follow-up, were well comparable between the two groups (each P > .05). During follow-up, recurrence occurred in 16 (43.24%) children undergoing laparoscopic simple reduction, whereas recurrence occurred in 1 (2.70%) case undergoing laparoscopic ileopexy. In comparison, laparoscopic ileopexy significantly decreased the risk of recurrence (P < .001). No statistical difference was observed between the two groups in terms of operative time, length of postoperative stay, and intra- and postoperative complications (each P > .05). No morbidity was documented in both groups. Conclusions: Laparoscopic ileopexy is effective and safe as a surgical approach for multiple recurrences of ileocolic intussusception in pediatric patients. The underlying mechanisms are yet to be fully clarified.
Keywords: children; ileopexy; intussusception; laparoscopy; recurrence.