Evaluation of short and mid-term outcomes in children with Hirschsprung's disease undergoing different surgical procedures

The primary aim of surgical procedures for Hirschsprung's disease is to establish proper bowel movement without fecal incontinence, constipation and entrocolitis. In this study we evaluated short and mid-term outcomes in children with Hirschsprung's disease undergoing different surgical procedures.

Method and materials:

 In a prospective singe blind study, 50 children with Hirschsprung's disease were selected. Patient eligibility included age under ten years and an elective single stage Duhamel (D group) or trans- anal procedure (T group).Primary end point data collected included the development of post-operative constipation and fecal incontinency in groups. Secondary end points of study were intra-abdominal infection, anastomotic leak, wound infection and Hirschsprung associated enterocolitis .

Post-operative constipation persisted in 14 (56%) after 1 month in D group and in 7(28%) in T group (p =0.04). Post –operative constipation persisted in 16 (64%) after 6 month in D group and in 10(40%) in T group (p =.08). There was no significant difference in fecal incontinency rates between groups.

For young children with Hirschsprung's disease who scheduled for operation, we had found no clear difference in mid-term outcome.