Hirschsprung Disease (Pediatric Large Intestine Dilation)
Description
A birth defect and disease of infants where nerve cells in the wall of the large intestine do not develop. These nerve cells control the muscle contraction of the intestines. Without proper muscle contraction (peristalsis) fecal material does not pass through the intestines causing obstruction and dilation of the large intestine (colon).
Symptoms
Failure to pass meconium shortly after birth, failure to pass a first stool within 24 - 48 hours after birth, poor weight gain, swollen belly, vomiting, watery diarrhea (in the newborn), constipation.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. Additional tests to establish the diagnosis may include: anal manometry (a balloon is inflated in the rectum to measure the pressure), barium enema, and/or rectal biopsy.
- CBC
- Chem 12
- X-Ray
Treatment
Treatment includes intravenous fluids, and surgical removal of the affected intestine.
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