New operative technique for Hirschsprung's disease

A new technique for definitive surgery in Hirschsprung's disease is described. After transection of the rectum at 2 cm above the peritoneal reflection, the distal rectum is incised laterally on both sides in a longitudinal direction half way to the anus. The mucosal lining of the anterior rectum is partially removed. The posterior portion of the rectum is divided into two flaps by sagittal incision up to the mucocutaneous junction of the anus, which are then reflected and everted through the anus. The proximal colon is then pulled through, exteriorizing 5 cm of ganglionic colon. The exteriorized colon is resected two weeks later. Nine cases were operated upon by this technique. The postoperative results were satisfactory in all cases.