[Hirschsprung's disease]

Hirschsprung's disease has been considered to be curable with definitive surgery. However, postoperative bowel function is not always satisfactory. We evaluated the general condition, bowel function, and social performance using a questionnaire survey among adults who had Hirschsprung's disease in childhood. In our series, the evacuation score was "excellent" (score of 7-8/8) in 67.5%, "good" (5-6/8) in 20%, "fair" (34/8) in 10%, and "poor" (0-2/8) in 2.5%. Therefore 87.5% were considered to have satisfactory bowel function. However, only 25% had a score of 8/8. Incontinence occurred in 17.5%, and soiling was also reported by 17.5% of the questionnaire respondents. Genitourinary function was considered to be within the normal range, and urinary problems were minimal. Among the respondents, 47.5% were married and 68.4% of those had children. Educational and professional careers were reasonable. In general, bowel function was satisfactory. However, the ratio of patients whose bowel function was completely normal was low. Because incontinence and soiling impair the quality of life, pediatric surgeons should continue trying to achieve perfect bowel function after definitive surgery for the treatment of Hirschsprung's disease.