Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 3, 2026

Diagnosis of Hirschsprung's Disease by Immunostaining Rectal Suction Biopsies for Calretinin, S100 Protein and Protein Gene Product 9.5
05:45

Diagnosis of Hirschsprung's Disease by Immunostaining Rectal Suction Biopsies for Calretinin, S100 Protein and Protein Gene Product 9.5

Published on: April 26, 2019

THE MECONIUM-PLUG SYNDROME AND HIRSCHSPRUNG'S DISEASE

D A GILLIS, E B GRANTMYRE

    Canadian Medical Association Journal
    |January 30, 1965
    PubMed

    Insights

    Meconium plug syndrome, a common cause of neonatal intestinal obstruction, is typically resolved with a barium enema. However, persistent symptoms after plug removal may indicate underlying Hirschsprung

    Area of Science:

    • Neonatal Medicine
    • Pediatric Surgery
    • Gastroenterology

    Background:

    • Inspissated meconium in the distal colon or rectum commonly causes neonatal intestinal obstruction.
    • Meconium-plug syndrome is distinct from cystic fibrosis and meconium ileus.
    • Clinical presentation often mimics other mechanical obstructions requiring surgical intervention.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To highlight the diagnostic utility of barium enema in meconium-plug syndrome.
    • To report cases where meconium-plug syndrome was initially diagnosed but did not resolve.
    • To emphasize the importance of considering Hirschsprung's disease in persistent cases.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of clinical cases presenting with neonatal intestinal obstruction due to meconium plug.
    • Diagnostic barium enema examination to identify and dislodge the meconium plug.
    • Subsequent investigations for infants with persistent symptoms after plug removal.

    Main Results:

    • Barium enema is effective in diagnosing and resolving most cases of meconium-plug syndrome.
    • Two infants presented with features of meconium-plug syndrome but showed persistent obstruction.
    • Further evaluation revealed Hirschsprung's disease in both infants with persistent symptoms.

    Conclusions:

    • Meconium-plug syndrome is typically managed successfully with barium enema.
    • Failure to improve after meconium plug removal warrants investigation for Hirschsprung's disease.
    • Early consideration of Hirschsprung's disease can prevent delayed diagnosis and treatment in neonates.
    Keywords:
    BARIUM SULFATECOLONIC DISEASESCOLOSTOMYINFANT, NEWBORNINFANT, NEWBORN, DISEASESINTESTINAL OBSTRUCTIONMECONIUMMEGACOLONRADIOGRAPHYRECTUM

    More Related Videos

    Immunostaining to Visualize Murine Enteric Nervous System Development07:54

    Immunostaining to Visualize Murine Enteric Nervous System Development

    Published on: April 29, 2015

    Related Concept Videos

    Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

    Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

    Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
    Rectal Inspection
    Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
    Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders01:20

    Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders

    Gastrointestinal or GI motility disorders are characterized by irregular gastrointestinal tract movements, disrupting food transit from the mouth to the anus. They are caused by damage or dysfunction in gut muscles or nerves. These disorders can cause symptoms such as severe constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and swallowing difficulties. Disorders can affect any segment of the GI tract and range widely in severity, from common conditions like GERD to life-threatening conditions like...
    Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction01:29

    Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction

    Intestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine that disrupts the normal flow of intestinal contents through the lumen. This interruption impairs digestion, absorption, and fluid balance, and may lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.Mechanical ObstructionMechanical obstruction occurs when a physical blockage prevents intestinal contents from passing, arising from within the lumen or the bowel wall, or from external compression.Adhesions,...
    Diverticular Disease of the Colon01:27

    Diverticular Disease of the Colon

    Diverticular disease involves the formation of diverticula—small sac-like outpouchings of the colonic wall—and their complications. It most commonly affects the sigmoid colon due to higher intraluminal pressure and structural vulnerability. It results from structural weakness and increased pressure in the colon, producing pseudodiverticula that may remain silent or progress to inflammation and serious complications.Structure of DiverticulaIn diverticulosis, these outpouchings are...
    Amebiasis01:28

    Amebiasis

    Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, is responsible for intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis. Though a significant proportion of infections remain asymptomatic, approximately 50 million individuals annually are estimated to present with clinical disease, resulting in up to 100,000 deaths globally. The disease burden is disproportionately high in regions with lower socioeconomic status, such as parts of India, Africa, Mexico, and Latin America.Etiology and TransmissionThe infective...
    Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction01:17

    Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction

    Chronic bowel diseases are a group of long-term conditions affecting the digestive tract, characterized by inflammation and damage to the gut lining. These conditions primarily include irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
    Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...