Definition
Hirschsprung disease (HD) is when an area of the colon (large intestine) cannot push stool through as it should. This can lead to a partial or full blockage.
Causes
HD is present at birth. It is caused by missing nerve cells in the muscles of the colon. The nerve cells are needed to control muscle contractions that help move waste out of the body. It is not known why this happens. In some people, it may be due to a faulty gene.
| Hirschsprung Disease |
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Risk Factors
HD is more common in boys. The risk of HD is also higher in children who have:
- Other family members with HD
- Down Syndrome
- Other birth defects
Symptoms
Symptoms often show soon after birth. HD that is less serious may not be noticed until later in life.
In newborns, problems may be:
- Failure to have a bowel movement within the first 24 hours of life
- Vomiting after eating
- Swelling of the belly
Problems found in older infants and children are:
- Severe constipation
- Diarrhea
- Growth delay
Diagnosis
HD is often diagnosed when an infant fails to have a bowel movement within 24 hours of birth. In older children, the doctor will ask about your child's symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done.
The colon may need to be viewed. This can be done using an x-ray and special contrast material.
The bowel tissue may need to be tested. This can be done with a biopsy.
Treatment
HD needs to be treated with surgery. The earlier it is done, the better the results may be.
The goal of surgery is to remove the part of the colon that does not work the right way. Choices are:
- Pull-through—The inner layer of the affected colon area is removed. The healthy colon above the area is pulled down through the affected area. It can then be joined to the rectum so that stool can pass through.
- Colostomy or ileostomy—If the bowel is infected, damaged, or if a large area is being removed, an ostomy may be needed. A healthy part of the small intestine or colon will be cut just above the damaged area. The healthy intestine will be connected to an opening in the abdomen. Waste can pass through this opening to a bag. An ostomy gives the remaining colon time to rest and heal. A later surgery will be needed to reconnect the intestines.
RESOURCES
International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders http://www.aboutkidsgi.org
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases http://www.niddk.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES
About Kids Health—The Hospital for Sick Children http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca
Health Canada https://www.canada.ca
References
Burkardt DD, Graham JM Jr, et al. Advances in Hirschsprung disease genetics and treatment strategies: an update for the primary care pediatrician. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2014 Jan;53(1):71-81.
Hirschsprung disease. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/hirschsprung-disease. Accessed November 5, 2020.
Hirschsprung disease. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/condition/hirschsprungs-disease. Accessed November 5, 2020.
Hirschsprung’s disease treatment. UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital website. Available at: https://www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org/conditions/hirschsprungs%5Fdisease/treatment.html. Accessed November 5, 2020.
What I need to know about Hirschsprung disease. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/digestive-diseases/hirschsprung-disease/Pages/ez.aspx. Accessed November 5, 2020.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Kari Kassir, MD
- Review Date: 09/2020
- Update Date: 05/11/2021