Minimally Invasive Surgery

Hirschsprung's Disease

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Treatment

To treat this condition, the part of the intestine without ganglion cells must be surgically removed.

Usually, this can be done in one operation. This primary operation is called the POOP procedure for "perineal one-stage operation pull-through." This procedure can be performed without an incision on the abdomen. Small laparoscopic or telescopic instruments are used and the operation is done through the anus.

In some babies, more than one operation may be required. This is called a staged repair.

In the first stage, the part of the intestine without ganglion cells is removed and a temporary stoma is made. A stoma is an opening on the abdomen where the intestine is brought out to the skin. If your child has a stoma, stool will drain into a bag worn on the outside of the body. Several months later, the stoma is closed and the intestine is sewn together. Your child's pediatric surgeon will talk to you about the best operation for your child.

If your baby has the POOP procedure, he or she will go home in one to three days. If your baby has stoma, he or she may stay in the hospital longer. Your baby will be ready to go home when he or she is having bowel movements, eating and drinking without vomiting and is comfortable on pain medication taken orally.

Babies that have the POOP procedure, or that have a stoma closure, will have frequent bowel movements that can cause severe diaper rash. A protective cream must be used as soon as bowel movements begin.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated January 15, 2008