Hirschsprung’s disease, also known as congenital aganglionic megacolon, is a rare congenital disease where the nerve cells in the colon are missing. This causes difficulties in passing stool and can lead to accumulation of stool. Treatment is bowel resection of the affected area. Megacolon can occur, which is a complication of Hirschsprung’s disease where the colon becomes severely enlarged.
Symptoms
Failing to pass meconium (stool) in the first 48 hours of life
Chronic constipation
Abdominal distension
Vomiting
Foul-smelling ribbon-like stools
Intestinal obstruction or perforation (in severe cases).
Treatment
Temporary colostomy may be needed to relieve obstruction then a pull-through surgical repair with excision of affected bowel.