CONGENITAL MEGACOLON

CONGENITAL MEGACOLON

Overview and Facts

Congenital megacolon, also known as Hirschsprung’s disease, is one of the main types of megacolon disorder. This causes a massive enlargement and dilation of the large intestine colon. Generally, this disorder, often diagnosed in infancy, is characterized by the lack of ganglions or the particular nerve cells in the bowel segment. The lack of ganglion causes the bowels’ muscles to lose their capability to let the stool move through the intestine. 

Congenital megacolon is a severe genetic condition that requires proper care. With the right treatment, children with this condition can live a normal life. However, they may still have bowel issues on and off into adulthood since congenital megacolon is a lifelong issue that should always be observed.

Types and Symptoms

SYMPTOMS

Since congenital megacolon is usually diagnosed within the first six weeks of infancy, symptoms also usually begin in this period. In most cases, symptoms are evident within the early 48 hours. Here are the signs you might see:

  • Swelling in your child’s abdomen
  • No bowel movements
  • Bloody diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Severe constipation

As a parent, you should have been concerned if your newborn does not poop or produce meconium or the first stool. This usually signifies a health issue. Moreover, children with congenital megacolon may have chronic constipation, bloody poop, green or brown vomit, and sometimes develop growth and fatigue issues.

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

A congenital megacolon diagnosis can be suspected through a physical test, a complete review of the patient’s family’s medical history since it is genetic, identification of common symptoms, and various specialized tests. With a newborn, you should tell your doctor about the child’s symptoms at once. Here are the tests that a doctor can use:

  •  Contrast enema
  •  Abdominal x-ray
  •  Biopsy
  • Anorectal manometry

TREATMENT

Since congenital megacolon is a critical condition, it is best to have your newborn treated immediately. Treatment includes the following:

  • Pull-through procedure
  • Ostomy surgery

These surgeries are done to either route the intestine to an opening made in the body or cut out the large intestine with the missing nerve cells. Your newborn will be able to live a relatively normal life if these treatments are found immediately. 

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