Gastrointestinal
- What
- Nerve cells (ganglion cells) are missing from the end of the bowel, always starting at the rectum and extending upwards. That segment can't relax, so it acts like a blockage.
- Who
- About 1 in 5,000 babies. Boys are affected about 4 times more often. About 1 in 10 have Down syndrome.
- Spot it
- Delay in passing meconium beyond 24 to 48 hours, a swollen tummy and green vomiting. Older children may have severe constipation.
- Test
- Rectal suction biopsy showing absent ganglion cells.
- Treatment
- A “pull-through” operation removes the affected bowel and joins healthy bowel to the anus.
- Watch out
- Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis is a dangerous complication, before or after surgery.
Source: Patient.info Professional
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