title: [Gastrografin challenge test for the management of subileus in children].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The appearance of gastrografin in colon within 6 hours after gastric administration rules out the need of surgery in abdominal subileus. This diagnostic management is not routinely applied in children. We present a one-year experience from the department of pediatric surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between April 2006 and September 2007 children with symptoms of ileus without clear indications for surgery were subjected to the study. Naso-gastric tube was inserted and 20-100 cc of gastrografin was administered. Abdominal radiograph was taken within 4-6 hours. The presence of contrast in colon allowed for conservative management. All remaining children were subjected to surgery. Newborns and children with intussusception or incarcerated hernia were ruled out of the study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The study was implemented in 8 girls and 7 boys ranking in the age between 1 and 17 (mean 11) years. Thirteen children had postoperative obstruction (8 after appendectomy, 5 after other laparotomy). Two children (with Crohn disease and Schoenlein-Henoch purpura) were not operated before. Four children without appearance of contrast in colon were operated. None of the remaining eleven children required surgical intervention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This management is safe and effective. It brings forward decision for surgery and shortens observation in children who don't require surgical intervention.
authors.affiliation: Klinika Chirurgii Dzieciecej, Uniwersytet Jagielloński Collegium Medicum w Krakowie. migoreck@cyf-kr.edu.pl
authors.forename: Wojciech
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Górecki
authors.forename: Mirosław
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Krysta
authors.forename: Adam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bysiek
authors.forename: Piotr
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Wojciechowski
authors.forename: Lukasz
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wyrobek
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003287:Contrast Media; D003974:Diatrizoate Meglumine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D045823:Ileus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D003974:Diatrizoate Meglumine