Ano-rectal function assessed by manometry and electromyography after endorectal pull-through for Hirschsprung's...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Colorectal Surgery
• Pediatric Gastroenterology

Background:

• Hirschsprung's disease is a congenital condition affecting the large intestine.
• The endorectal pull-through operation has been the preferred surgical approach in this department since 1975.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term functional outcomes of the endorectal pull-through operation for Hirschsprung's disease.
• To assess postoperative rectal capacity, rectal sensibility, and anal sphincter function.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of patients who underwent the endorectal pull-through operation.
• Postoperative assessment included ano-rectal manometry and external sphincter electromyography in 12 patients.
• Evaluation occurred 8 months to 6 years after surgery.

Main Results:

• Patients demonstrated normal postoperative rectal capacity and rectal sensibility.
• A key finding was the absence of internal sphincter relaxation upon rectal distention.
• External anal sphincter resting and reflex activity were found to be normal.

Conclusions:

• The endorectal pull-through operation yields satisfactory functional results in terms of rectal capacity and sensation.
• The lack of internal sphincter relaxation is a noted postoperative finding.
• External sphincter function remains normal after this surgical procedure.