Complications of the Martin procedure for total colonic aganglionosis

From 1976 to 1986 inclusive, 122 patients were cared for with Hirschsprung's disease. Sixteen of these were treated for total colonic aganglionosis, with or without small bowel involvement. The male to female ratio was 2.2:1. Two children died prior to definitive surgical therapy and two others were transferred following initial therapy. Twelve children underwent Martin's procedure with a 0% mortality rate and an 81.8% morbidity rate. This study would indicate, as do others, that even though the Martin procedure can safely be performed, the long-term results require close scrutiny. A re-evaluation of this procedure and its alternatives is necessary in order to improve long-term results.