Evaluation and management of persistent problems after surgery for Hirschsprung disease in a child

J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2008 Jan;46(1):13-9. doi: 10.1097/01.mpg.0000304448.69305.28.

Abstract

Hirschsprung disease occurs approximately once in every 5000 live-born infants. It is characterized by the absence of ganglion cells in the myenteric and submucosal plexuses of the intestine. Once the diagnosis of Hirschsprung disease has been made, most patients are now treated with a transanal approach to resection. We review the early and late postoperative complications. Late complications include persistent mechanical obstruction, recurrent or acquired aganglionosis, disordered motility in the proximal colon or small bowel, internal sphincter achalasia, or functional megacolon caused by stool-holding behavior. These children require complex interdisciplinary care to ensure an adequate quality of life.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anal Canal
  • Digestive System Surgical Procedures / adverse effects
  • Digestive System Surgical Procedures / methods
  • Enterocolitis / etiology
  • Enterocolitis / therapy
  • Fecal Incontinence / etiology
  • Fecal Incontinence / therapy
  • Gastrointestinal Motility
  • Hirschsprung Disease / diagnosis
  • Hirschsprung Disease / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Intestinal Diseases / etiology
  • Intestinal Diseases / therapy
  • Intestinal Obstruction / etiology
  • Intestinal Obstruction / therapy
  • Laparoscopy
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnosis
  • Postoperative Complications / therapy*