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[Diagnosis and treatment of Hirschsprung's disease in adolescence]
J G Mogilner1, D Yardeni, L Siplovich
1Pediatric Surgery Dept., Central Emek Hospital, Afula.
Harefuah
|March 15, 1991
Insights
Hirschsprung
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Medical Genetics
Background:
- Hirschsprung's disease is a congenital condition characterized by the absence of ganglion cells in the distal bowel, leading to intestinal obstruction.
- It is the most common cause of large intestinal obstruction in neonates, with most cases diagnosed at birth.
- However, a subset of patients, approximately 5%, are diagnosed later in childhood or adolescence.
Observation:
- A 12-year-old male presented with a history of childhood constipation.
- The patient was diagnosed with Hirschsprung's disease.
- This case highlights a delayed diagnosis scenario.
Findings:
- Hirschsprung's disease can present in adolescence with chronic constipation.
- Delayed diagnosis in this case was associated with prolonged symptoms.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease is crucial to prevent long-term complications.
- Increased awareness of late-presenting Hirschsprung's disease is needed in clinical practice.
- Timely intervention can improve patient outcomes and reduce morbidity.
Abstract:
Hirschsprung's disease is the most frequent cause of large intestinal obstruction in the neonatal period, during which the majority of cases are diagnosed. In about 5 of cases diagnosis is not established until adolescence. We present a 12-year-old boy with Hirschsprung's disease, treated since childhood for constipation. Early diagnosis avoids complications.