Related Experiment Videos

[Total colonic form of Hirschsprung disease. Treatment and long-term follow-up in 16 cases]

O Azzis1, B Fremond, A Dabadie

  • 1Service de Chirurgie infantile, C.H.U. Pontchaillou, Rennes.

Insights

Hirschsprung disease treatment in 16 children showed surgical technique did not impact long-term outcomes. Early management of neonatal obstruction may reduce enterocolitis incidence, favoring Duhamel

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Gastroenterology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Hirschsprung disease is a congenital disorder characterized by the absence of ganglion cells in the distal bowel.
  • Total colon involvement is a severe form requiring complex surgical management.
  • Genetic factors, such as RET proto-oncogene mutations, play a role in some cases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the outcomes of total colon Hirschsprung disease treated at a single institution.
  • To evaluate the influence of different surgical techniques on long-term results.
  • To identify factors affecting morbidity and mortality.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 16 cases of total colon Hirschsprung disease treated between 1971 and 1994.
  • Review of patient records, including diagnosis, treatment, surgical approach (Martin, Duhamel, Swenson), and follow-up data.
  • Genetic analysis in a family with associated conditions.

Main Results:

  • Six children died, four before achieving nutritional autonomy via total parenteral nutrition.
  • Postoperative complications included diarrhea and occlusions in the early years; no cases of enterocolitis were observed.
  • Eight of nine followed children achieved fecal continence, independent of surgical technique.
  • One family exhibited a RET proto-oncogene mutation, with associated megacolon and multiple endocrine neoplasia.

Conclusions:

  • Surgical technique did not significantly influence long-term outcomes in total colon Hirschsprung disease.
  • Early management of neonatal obstruction appears to reduce the incidence of enterocolitis.
  • Duhamel's technique was favored over Martin's due to ileostomy-related issues, and the timing of definitive surgery was not advanced.

Related Concept Videos