The Ulster medical journal
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In intussusception in early childhood, reduction by barium enema is the treatment of choice. In late cases when there is air and fluid distension of the small bowel on plain x-ray, barium enema is less useful. Generally 20-25% of childhood intussusception presents in this way. We have reviewed the experience of 65 intussusceptions at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children over the past 5 years and found only one successful barium enema reduction in 22 obstructed intussusceptions.