Hirschsprung Disease

What is Hirschsprung disease?

Hirschsprung disease is a condition where the nerve cells in the colon do not develop properly. This causes problems passing stool, which gets backed up in the colon. The condition can range from mild to severe, depending on how much of the colon is affected. Hirschsprung's disease is a condition that a baby is born with.

What are the signs and symptoms of Hirschsprung disease?

Many babies born with Hirschsprung disease do not have a bowel movement in the first days after birth. Other symptoms in newborns may include:

• Swollen belly
• Vomiting

Children with milder forms of the condition may not have any symptoms right away. Symptoms in older infants and children may include:

• Swollen belly
• Constipation
• Lack of appetite
• Small stool or diarrhea
• Growth problems

What causes Hirschsprung disease?

Experts are not sure what causes Hirschsprung disease. It can sometimes run in families.

How is Hirschsprung diagnosed?

Arkansas Children's utilizes a variety of tools to help diagnose Hirschsprung including:

• Contrast enema
• Anorectal manometry
• Rectal biopsy

How is Hirschsprung disease treated?

Most children's with Hirschsprung disease will need surgery to remove the section of the colon that does not have working nerve cells. The most common type of surgery is called a "pull-through procedure." Your pediatric care team at Arkansas Children's is experienced in treating Hirschsprung's disease and will work with you to develop the best treatment plan for your child's specific symptoms.