Hirschsprung Disease

Hirschsprung disease occurs when nerve cells are missing in all or part of the small intestine, large intestine and colon. This causes stool to block parts of the gastrointestinal tract or to move slowly through the affected area. Symptoms include:

• Swollen belly
• Failure to grow
• Fever
• Vomiting

Surgery is often needed to repair the affected intestines or colon and to restore normal function.