Laparoscopic and open surgery methods in managing surgical intussusceptions: A randomized clinical trial of postoperative complications

Purpose: To compare postoperative complications of laparoscopic surgery (LS) with open surgery (OS) in surgical intussusception patients.

Methods: From March 2015 to February 2018, infants between 6 to 24 months old had the clinical and sono-graphical signs of intussusception enrolled in this double-blind, randomized clinical trial. We divided surgical intussusception patients into two groups. In the LS group, we evaluated patients by direct laparoscopic observation, on-table hydrostatic enema, and mechanical reduction of intussusception. In the OS group, we performed the conventional technique. These patients were followed for 2 years after procedures for comparison of postoperative complications between the two groups.

Results: We had 52 patients who needed surgical exploration (26 in each group). There were four (15%) and seven (27%) patients with self-reduced intussusception in LS and OS groups, respectively. The conversion rate was 31% (eight cases). Five cases (19%) in the LS group and four cases (15%) in the OS group needed bowel resections. Operating time was longer in the LS group (P ≤ 0.006), and the postoperative complication rate was higher in the OS group (P ≤ 0.021).

Discussion: Laparoscopy is a screening tool to determine the need for OS in surgical intussusception patients. Laparoscopy reduces the incidence of OS and its complications.