Modern understanding of intussusception and recent trends in management

Intussusception is one of the most common abdominal emergencies in children. The understanding of its aetiology and management has changed significantly over the last decades. Earlier, the hypertrophic Peyer's patches and polyps were considered responsible, but with the knowledge obtained from the lipopolysaccharide-induced animal model of intussusception, the rotavirus vaccination, the seasonality and the postnatal changes of the enteric nervous system it became clear that the intestinal motility plays a key role in the aetiology. The efficacy of non-operative management is continuously improving. The radiologists initially moved from the hydrostatic X-ray-controlled reduction towards the air enema (pneumatic reduction), however, nowadays, there is a shift back to hydrostatic procedures but under ultrasound guidance to reduce radiation exposure. In many institutions, intussusception is managed as day-case rather than as an inpatient case. The role of medications like glucagon and cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors used during reduction manoeuvres and prevention of recurrence is still controversial. Surgical management is shifting towards laparoscopy. The authors herein reviewed the current literature to present recent insights into understanding the pathogenesis and management updates.