Changing Pattern and Profile of Paediatric Intussusception in Benin City, Nigeria: A Five-year Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background: Intussusception is a common cause of infantile and childhood intestinal obstruction. Its prevalence is rising and continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality in low-income African countries. Understanding the current pattern and presentation of this disease in Benin City, Nigeria, is important in healthcare planning and advocacy. Aim: The study aims to evaluate the pattern of presentation, outcomes and complications of children with intussusception in southern Nigeria. Study Design / Place and Duration of Study: A five-year retrospective review was conducted at the Paediatric Surgery unit, Department of Surgery, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, between January 2020 and January 2025. Methods: Patient medical records of all children (106) presenting with intussusception at the emergency room who underwent surgical intervention. Data pooled included biodata, duration of symptoms till presentation, symptoms, and duration till intervention. Results: There was a 450% rise in incidence compared to previous studies from the same institution. The median age of presentation was 7months (range: 2months -16years). Twenty-nine children (27%) were undernourished, ranking within the 10th percentile of weight for age. The mean symptom duration was 3days (range 3hours-11days). Only 22% presented within 48hours of symptom onset. Mean wait times from presentation to surgery were 26.4 +/- 11hours. The presence of preoperative fever and symptom duration greater than 2 days correlated with whether the patient had gangrenous or viable bowel (p < 0.001 and p = 0.028, respectively). Fifty-six patients (53.7%) had bowel resection. Complications developed in 8 (7.5%), with 4.7% mortality rate. Conclusion: There has been a rising incidence of intussusception, with more children presenting late. Bowel resection rates have continued to be high compared to what is obtainable in other climes. Public health advocacy is needed to encourage early diagnosis, prompt referral and reduce adverse sequelae.