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Postoperative small-bowel intussusception in children with cancer

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Abstract

The clinical and imaging features of small-bowel intussusception as a complication of abdominal surgery are not well known. Diagnosis may be delayed because symptoms mimic common postoperative complaints. In pediatric cancer patients, the side effects of chemotherapy and symptoms related to the primary malignancy may also obscure the diagnosis. We report the clinical and radiographic features of eight children undergoing evaluation and treatment for solid tumors who developed small-bowel intussusception following laparotomy. These children represent 2.2% of all children and adolescents who underwent laparotomy at a pediatric cancer research and treatment center during a 13-year period. With prompt diagnosis and intervention, morbidity and mortality from this rare but lifethreatening postoperative complication can be avoided.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Diagnostic Imaging, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 332 North Lauderdale, 38101, Memphis, TN, USA

    S. C. Kaste

  2. Department of Hematology-Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 38101, Memphis, TN, USA

    J. Wilimas

  3. Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 38101, Memphis, TN, USA

    B. N. Rao

  4. Department of Radiology, University of Tennessee, 38104, Memphis, TN, USA

    S. C. Kaste

  5. Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee, 38104, Memphis, TN, USA

    J. Wilimas

  6. Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee, 38104, Memphis, TN, USA

    B. N. Rao

Authors
  1. S. C. Kaste
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  2. J. Wilimas
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  3. B. N. Rao
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Additional information

Supported in part by National Cancer Institute Cancer Center Support grant P30 CA-21765, and by the American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities (ALSAC)

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Kaste, S.C., Wilimas, J. & Rao, B.N. Postoperative small-bowel intussusception in children with cancer. Pediatr Radiol 25, 21–23 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02020835

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02020835

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