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Updated: Jul 5, 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

Long-term bowel function and quality of life in children with Hirschsprung's disease

Jessica L A Mills1, David E Konkin, Ruth Milner

  • 1Division of Pediatric General Surgery, British Columbia Children's Hospital and the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6M 2L8.

Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|May 20, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Fecal continence significantly impacts the quality of life (QOL) for children with Hirschsprung

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Gastroenterology
  • Quality of Life Research

Background:

  • Hirschsprung's disease (HD) affects children's long-term well-being.
  • Limited data exists on the quality of life (QOL) in older children with HD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the QOL and bowel function in children with HD as they mature.
  • To identify factors influencing QOL in this pediatric population.

Main Methods:

  • Surveyed surgically treated HD patients (1986-2003) at British Columbia Children's Hospital.
  • Utilized 3 validated questionnaires on QOL and bowel function.
  • Included 51 families with children aged 3-21 years.

Main Results:

  • Fecal continence improved with age and strongly predicted QOL.
  • No significant QOL difference between HD patients and controls, but potential psychosocial impairment.
  • Older children with incontinence are at risk for reduced QOL.

Conclusions:

  • Fecal continence is a key determinant of QOL in children with HD.
  • Interventions for incontinence may improve both QOL and bowel function.
  • Targeted support for children with ongoing continence issues is crucial.
Abstract

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