Rectal myenteric nerve plexus stimulation in Hirschsprung's disease and in healthy children

The internal anal sphincter response was studied manometrically while applying electrical stimulation to the rectal mucosa. Seven patients with Hirschsprung's disease and ten healthy controls were investigated during general anaesthesia. In addition, six healthy controls were examined when awake. Internal sphincter relaxations elicited by electrical stimulation of the rectal myenteric nerve plexus were recorded in all anaesthetized controls, but in only two of the patients. The latter required a higher stimulation voltage. Rectal myenteric nerve plexus stimulation is a theoretical alternative for the diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease. One advantage over conventional manometry is that it avoids the risk of mechanical artifacts. Further studies are necessary to evaluate whether the method can be of practical importance in neonatal diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease.