Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41273412›Full record

SynthesisPediatric radiology2026

Efficacy and safety of nonoperative management for pediatric intussusception in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Yohannis Derbew Molla, Kidist Hunegn Setargew, Hirut Tesfahun Alemu

Abstract readSystematic ReviewMeta-Analysis
PubMed Publisher
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Pediatric radiology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Yohannis Derbew MollaDepartment of Surgery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, P.O.Box: 196, Ethiopia. Yderbew73@gmail.com.
Kidist Hunegn SetargewDebre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia.
Hirut Tesfahun AlemuDepartment of Surgery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, P.O.Box: 196, Ethiopia.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundIntussusception, a serious condition where the intestine folds in on itself, is a leading cause of bowel obstructions in children. The global standard of care has shifted towards non-surgical procedures as a first response. However, evidence supporting the effectiveness and safety of this approach specifically within Sub-Saharan Africa has been scarce and disjointed. Our research systematically gathered and analyzed the existing data from the region to provide a clearer assessment.

methodsWe searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, African Journals Online, and Google Scholar from inception (earliest date covered by each database) to March 2025 for studies reporting outcomes of non-operative reduction in children with intussusception in Sub-Saharan Africa. Eligible studies focused primarily on non-operative reduction with clearly reported outcomes. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers, and study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models for sex distribution and treatment outcomes, while complications, recurrence, and mortality were synthesized narratively. Certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE framework.

resultsNine studies including 536 patients met the inclusion criteria. The pooled male prevalence was 67% (95%CI 60-74%), and the mean age ranged from 2.8 months to 21 months. The overall success rate of non-operative reduction was 78% (95%CI 71-86%; I

conclusionNon-operative reduction of pediatric intussusception in Sub-Saharan Africa is effective and safe, with outcomes improving in recent years, particularly with ultrasound guidance. Delayed presentation remains the major barrier to success. Expanding access to imaging, strengthening referral systems, and standardizing reporting are essential to improve outcomes and evidence quality in the region.

Indexed as

IntussusceptionAfrica South of the SaharaChildChild, PreschoolHumansInfantTreatment OutcomeConservative treatmentIntussusceptionPediatricsRadiographySub-Saharan AfricaTherapeutic irrigation

Identifiers

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.