Faecal composition after surgery for Hirschsprung's disease.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Gastroenterology
• Colorectal Surgery

Background:

• Hirschsprung's disease treatment involves endorectal pull-through.
• Diarrhea and perianal excoriation are common complications post-surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze fecal abnormalities in postoperative Hirschsprung patients.
• To determine the cause of perianal excoriation in these patients.

Main Methods:

• Faecal analysis of 3-day stool collections.
• Comparison between 17 postoperative Hirschsprung patients and 14 normal children.

Main Results:

• Loose stools showed reduced dry solids and excess fecal water with high sodium concentration.
• Formed stools had reduced dry solids but normal water content.
• Daily fecal water output was normal in patients.

Conclusions:

• Abnormal water absorption in the distal colon causes excess fecal water in loose stools.
• High sodium concentration in fecal water is linked to perianal excoriation.