Intussusception is the one of the most common causes of acute intestinal obstruction in infants and toddlers. A contrast enema, with air or barium, is used for diagnosis and reduction of intussusception. If contrast enema is unsuccessful, a surgical reduction is indicated. The traditional approach utilizes a right lower quadrant incision. More recently, minimally invasive surgical techniques have been applied to reduce intussusception in children.

A retrospective account of the surgical techniques and outcomes associated with the successful laparoscopic reduction of intussusception in 19 out of 27 children in our institution. Attention was focused on two representative cases, in which video recordings depict the minimally invasive techniques involved with reduction.

This video depicts two patients who presented with idiopathic intussusception. Both patients underwent attempts at contrast enema reduction, which were unsuccessful. A three trocar technique was used, as five millimeter bowel graspers were placed through the holes made by 3.5 millimeter trocars or a simple stab incision. The five millimeter bowel graspers allow more distribution of force over the bowel to minimize injury. The intussusceptions were reduced using a "push" and gentle, steady "pull" technique. We have been successful 19 out of 27 times. Of the eight unsuccessful attempts, four required resection. With the exception of one ileo-ileal intussusception, all other patients had ileo-colic involvement. The operative time averaged 30.5 (+14) minutes and all children were eating or drinking by the end of the first post-operative day.

Laparoscopic reduction is an effective option for intussusception and may be considered as an alternative approach in children requiring operative reduction.