The disorder is easily detected and can be corrected by surgery. Causes The cause of Hirschsprung's disease is unknown, but it is believed to be due to a defect in development brought on by maternal fever early in pregnancy. The problem may also be inherited. Although this disorder is congenital, it may not become apparent until the child is between four and 10 months of age. Typical warning signs include severe constipation, abdominal pain and swelling, a lack of appetite, and a decreased growth rate.
Bowel movements are infrequent and the stools are hard.
Newborns experiencing these symptoms may cry with their legs drawn up to their chest, and may begin vomiting shortly after birth. Care Two operations are needed to correct this problem. The first surgical procedure, a colostomy, is aimed at quickly restoring normal digestive function through removal of the intestinal obstruction. During this operation, the lower end of the functioning part of the intestine is connected to an opening, called a stoma, made in the abdominal wall. All waste will leave the body through this opening and be deposited into a collection bag, called a stoma appliance.