Hirschsprung’s Disease
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Hirschsprung’s Disease
Hirschsprung’s is a health complication that affects the large intestine leading to difficulty in passing stool. The condition is common among children, especially after birth (Meinds et al., 2019). The disease is uncommon among adults. A missing nerve cell or poor formation is the cause of the disease in the muscles of the colon (Soh et al., 2018). The cause is unclear, although studies indicate that genetic mutation is a contributor to the disease (Soh et al., 2018). The risk factors include having relatives with Hirschsprung’s disease, being male, and inherited conditions.
The obvious first sign of the disease is the inability to pass stool within 48 hours after birth (Meinds et al., 2019). The signs and symptoms include a swollen belly, diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue, and constipation (Meinds et al., 2019).
Children with Hirschsprung’s disease are at risk of Enterocolitis. Signs of Enterocolitis include fever, vomiting, swollen abdomen, and diarrhea (Soh et al., 2018). The condition is life-threatening is immediate treatment is not available. Healthcare workers should examine children who have not passed stool within 48 hours (Soh et al., 2018).
Diagnostic criteria include abdominal X-ray using a contrast dye, anal manometry, and biopsy. The diagnostic tests are essential to rule out or diagnose Hirschsprung’s disease (Soh et al., 2018). For instance, removing a sample of the colon tissue for testing. A suction device is essential in removing the tissue (Meinds et al., 2019). The examination is influential in determining if the nerve cells are missing.
Surgery is the best treatment method for the disease. The two options include a pull-through surgery or an ostomy surgery (Meinds et al., 2019). Parents have a responsibility to make lifestyle and home remedies after surgery. For example, high fiber foods, increasing fluids, and encourage physical activity (Meinds et al., 2019). Practitioners can prescribe laxatives to enhance the recovery after surgery. Healthcare practitioners should manage the surgery complications, including bleeding, leaking stool, constipation, and delays in toilet training (Meinds et al., 2019).
References
Meinds, R. J., van der Steeg, A. F., Sloots, C. E., Witvliet, M. J., de Blaauw, I., van Gemert, W. G., … & Broens, P. M. (2019). Long‐term functional outcomes and quality of life in patients with Hirschsprung’s disease. The British Journal of Surgery, 106(4), 499.
Soh, H. J., Nataraja, R. M., & Pacilli, M. (2018). Prevention and management of recurrent postoperative Hirschsprung’s disease obstructive symptoms and enterocolitis: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Pediatric Surgery, 53(12), 2423-2429.
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