Pattern of aganglionic megacolon in Calabar, Nigeria

Hirschsprung's disease, a congenital condition resulting in functional intestinal obstruction, was seen in 21 children at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) between January 1996 and December 1998. Late presentation of patients to hospital was observed and was attributed to ignorance and poverty. Patients presented only when repeated herbal enemas no longer offered relief. The main complaints were abdominal distension, constipation, wasting, diarrhoea and growth retardation. Surgical resection of the aganglionic segment and anastomosis is the treatment of choice and this procedure decreases mortality and morbidity. Palliative transverse colostomy was considered essential as it protects the anastomosis. Early diagnosis of this disease in our environment can only be achieved by means of a public awareness campaign. This will prevent many of the fatal complications associated with this condition.