Hirschsprung's disease in adults: the Duhamel procedure

Hirschprung's disease is a rare condition in the adult. We present three patients with Hirschsprung's disease who successfully underwent the modified Duhamel procedure. The diagnosis was suspected on the basis of the typical medical history of lifelong constipation. The diagnosis was confirmed by anorectal manometric studies and/or full thickness rectal biopsy. The relief of the marked preoperative abdominal distention was complete and the bowel movements were active and smooth. Two out of three had perfect faecal control and continence. The Duhamel-Martin procedure seems a safe and reliable technique in the treatment of Hirschsprung's disease.