Intussusception: the paediatric radiologist's perspective

The diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic intussusception of childhood have changed over the last 10 years. Current diagnostic techniques include plai n radiographs and ultrasonography. The standard treatment in the absence of peritonitis or free intra-abdominal air is gas enema, followed by surgical intervention if the intussusception remains irreducible. This review, by r adiologists for surgeons, describes the current role of imaging in the diag nosis and management of intussusception.