Hirschsprung disease
Treatment
Is there a treatment for Hirschsprung Disease?
Yes there is treatment for Hirschsprung disease which usually requires surgery on the colon. The colon, or large intestine, is the last part of the digestive system and transports digested food and liquid from the small intestine to the rectum. The surgery involves removing the part of the colon without nerve cells and connecting the ends of the normal colon, the colon with nerve cells, together. If you have questions about the surgery to treat Hirschsprung disease speak with your or your child's physician, or ask to speak with a surgeon who preforms the surgery.
References
- "Hirschsprung’s Disease" National Organization for Rare Disorders. 2005. https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/hirschsprungs-disease/#standard-therapies
- Wesson, David. "Congenital aganglionic megacolon (Hirschsprung disease)" UpToDate. May 2016. Web. 14 Jun. 2016. http://www.uptodate.com/contents/congenital-aganglionic-megacolon-hirschsprung-disease?source=search_result&search=Hirschsprung%E2%80%99s+Disease&selectedTitle=1~6
More Treatment Content
Are there symptom specific treatments for Hirschsprung disease?
Are there symptom specific treatments for Hirschsprung disease?
Surgery is sufficient to treat the initial symptoms of Hirschsprung disease. Before surgery is performed, doctors may have to clear stool (fecal matter) from the patient's colon so that the colon does not become dangerously enlarged. The colon, or large intestine, is the last part of the digestive system and transports digested food and liquid from the small intestine to the rectum. After surgery, a person may experience incontinence or constipation. These can be treated with enemas, stool softeners, laxatives, or stretching of the anus or rectum. To learn about these and other treatments for Hirschsprung disease, speak with your or your child's physician.
References
- http://www.cedars-sinai.edu/Patients/Programs-and-Services/Pediatric-Surgery/Treatment/Treating-Hirschsprungs-Disease-Colonic-Aganglionosis.aspx
- "Hirschsprung’s Disease" National Organization for Rare Disorders. 2005. https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/hirschsprungs-disease/#standard-therapies
