Hirschsprung's disease

Description:

Also called congenital megacolon. Its a disease in which there is congenital absence of parasympathetic innervation of distal intestine.

Pathogenesis:

Physical Findings:

Abdominal distention, occasionally loops of stool-filled bowel palpable, increased rectal sphincter tone, no stool in rectal vault or ampulla, classically explosion of watery stool on removal of finger.

Lab Diagnosis:

• Abdominal x-ray
• Barium enema
• Rectal suction biopsy
• No ganglion cells in submucosal plexus confirms diagnosis

Treatment:

Cured by surgical excision of affected segment.