An alternative non-operative method for childhood intussusception reduction: USG probe compression

Purpose: Intussusception is the leading cause of bowel obstruction in children, with ultrasonography (USG) as the primary diagnostic tool. Non-operative management is the preferred treatment when surgery is unnecessary. This study aimed to evaluate ultrasound-guided external reduction using probe pressure as an alternative to manual reduction. Method: Twenty pediatric patients with intussusception and no surgical indication underwent USG-guided external reduction using linear probe compression. We assessed age, sex, admission month, time to admission, clinical and radiographic findings, USG results (pre-procedure, post-procedure, control), hospitalization duration, and recurrence. Results: The study included 20 patients (9 males, 11 females) with a mean age of 5.1 years (6–134 months). Seven patients had ileocolic intussusception (1–7 cm), and 13 had small bowel intussusception (1–3 cm). A single recurrence occurred in one patient within 24 hours. A total of 22 successful reductions were performed in 20 patients without complications. Conclusion: USG-guided external reduction with probe compression is a safe, effective, and non-invasive technique for reducing both small bowel and ileocolic intussusceptions. This method offers a promising alternative to existing non-operative approaches and may transform pediatric intussusception management.