Minimally Invasive Neonatal Surgery: Hirschsprung Disease

Transanal pull-through (TAPT) is the procedure of choice for treating Hirschsprung disease and should be performed with laparoscopic assistance using the anorectal line (ARL) to ensure optimum postoperative bowel function (POBF). The dentate line (DL) has traditionally been used as the landmark for commencing dissection during TAPT, but we prefer the ARL because the DL is too subjective and can be associated with risk for injury to delicate sensory innervation required for normal defecation in the anal transition zone. An intact anal transition zone and total excision of the posterior rectal cuff are crucial for normal defecation. Objective assessment of POBF is essential for thorough follow-up and early detection of potential late complications that may arise.