What is the recommended treatment that can both diagnose and treat intussusception in children?

• A. Air enema
• B. Immediate surgery
• C. Antibiotics only
• D. Laparoscopic reduction

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that in stable children with intussusception, a nonoperative reduction using a pneumatic (air) enema serves both to diagnose and to treat. The enema is injected under real-time imaging guidance (fluoroscopy or ultrasound). As the air pressure expands the colon, it can push the telescoped segment back into place, relieving the obstruction and ischemia. Seeing the distended colon fill and then reduce confirms the diagnosis and shows that correction has occurred without surgery. If the enema successfully reduces the intussusception, the child typically improves quickly and surgery isn’t needed.

If the enema doesn’t reduce the problem, or if there are signs of perforation or peritonitis, surgical intervention is required. Antibiotics alone won’t diagnose or resolve intussusception. Laparoscopic reduction is an option when nonoperative reduction fails or isn’t possible, but it isn’t the first diagnostic/therapeutic approach.