HIRSCHSPRUNG’S DISEASE

TYPES

Hirschsprung disease is divided into two types:

Short-segment Hirschsprung disease. It is the most prevalent type, affecting about 80% of individuals, and is more likely to occur in males. This type usually develops when the nerve cells in the last segment of a child’s large intestine are absent.

Long-segment. It is the most dangerous type. It happens when there is a lack of nerve cells in the entire large intestine of a child. It is similar in males and females and affects 20% of individuals.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of Hirschsprung’s disease fluctuate, depending on the extent of the illness. Moreover, it typically occurs immediately after the mother’s delivery.

Symptoms of Hirschsprung’s disease include:

• Infants inability to poop around 48 hours after delivery
• Vomiting of green or brown liquid
• Slow development
• Bloated stomach
• Absence of desire in food
• Indigestion

DIAGNOSIS

The doctor will check regarding your child’s stool motions. To diagnose Hirschsprung’s disease, they or she may perform one or more of the following tests:

Rectal biopsy. It is where the doctor uses a magnifying lens to identify if there is an absence of nerve cells.

Anorectal manometry. It uses an inflated balloon apparatus to examine the regulation of the muscles surrounding the rectum to remove waste from your child’s anus effectively.

X-ray of a barium enema. It is where the doctor puts a small tube inside the anus of the child, and it detects intestinal blockages and shortened intestines.

TREATMENT

By treating your Hirschsprung’s disease, doctors can perform an ostomy or pull-through surgery.

Ostomy Surgery. It is a treatment procedure used to redirect the natural flow of the bowel out from the body.

Pull-through Surgery. This procedure involves removing the damaged intestine and then pulling the normal section of the organ down to the child’s anus.