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Hirschsprung's disease



Published
(congenital aganglionic megacolon)

A condition where the intestinal ganglion cells do not develop properly in the rectum, delaying the progression of stool through the intestines.
The intestine becomes blocked with stool, and the patient will suffer from constipation.
It often causes enterocolitis (inflammation throughout the intestines), which causes fever, fatigue, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

(Symptoms)
• constipation
• abdominal distention
• loss of appetite
• fever

(Causes or risk factors)
• genetic factor: Inherited by one of the parents (especially by the mother)
• Down syndrome
• males

(Diagnosis)
• abdominal x-ray with contrast enema
• rectal biopsy: A sample of the rectum to examine for the presence or absence of ganglion cells and the presence of hypertrophic nerve trunks.
• anorectal manometry: Tests the ability of the surrounding muscles and tissues to relax in response to pressure. Positive if the rectal muscles and sphincter do not relax when the balloon is inflated, paralysis of the colon is detected.

(Treatment)
• pull-through procedure: Removes the diseased section of the intestine and to pull the healthy portion of the intestine down to the anus.
Category
Health
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