[Follow-up and evolution of 10 cases operated on for total colonic aganglionosis]

One hundred sixty-one cases of HIRSCHSPRUNG's disease have been operated on by us between 1966 and 1988. Of these, 19 were total colonic aganglionosis. Of eleven that underwent surgery before 1982, five are still alive. The eight that were operated on after 1982 have a good evolution. This report is a retrospective study of the clinical evolution in ten of the thirteen survivors. The ages are comprised between 21 and 2 1/2 years. We have reviewed their general condition, weight, height, tolerance to oral intake, stool frequency, general laboratory determinations, circulating iron, transferrin, transferrin saturation, absorption of vitamin B12 and folic acid, hydrogen test and stool examination. Except for one case, the others are in a perfect nutritional and growth condition. DUHAMEL's technique was employed in eight cases and REHBEIN's technique, in two. Given our good results, we think that LESTER-MARTIN's technique is unnecessary, except for that cases with extensive small bowel involvement due to the serious problems of absorption that this represents.