[Duhamel operation for Hirschsprung disease (author's transl)]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Gastroenterology
• Colorectal Surgery

Context:

• Hirschsprung's disease is a congenital disorder characterized by the absence of ganglion cells in the distal bowel.
• The Duhamel pull-through procedure is a surgical option for treating Hirschsprung's disease.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Duhamel pull-through procedure in patients with Hirschsprung's disease.
• To assess clinical and radiological outcomes and anal sphincter function post-surgery.

Summary:

• Thirty-six patients with Hirschsprung's disease underwent the Duhamel pull-through procedure.
• The study reported no mortality and a low complication rate, indicating a benign procedure.
• Satisfactory clinical and radiological results were observed, though some patients showed diminished rectoanal inhibitory reflex.

Impact:

• The Duhamel operation demonstrates a favorable safety profile and efficacy for Hirschsprung's disease treatment.
• Further investigation into the rectoanal inhibitory reflex in these patients may offer insights into long-term functional outcomes.