It can be life-threatening or a chronic disorder. During infancy the child has difficulty gaining weight , constipation, abdominal distension, episodes of diarrhea and vomiting. If these symptoms occur, notify your child's doctor immediately. The older child is usually poorly nourished and anemic. A rectal biopsy is done to diagnose Hirschsprung's Disease.
Treatment is removal of the aganglionic portion of the colon.
Surgical correction is a 1 to 3 stage process. This colostomy allows the bowel some rest in order to return to its normal function. It also allows the child time for weight gain before the more complicated repair takes place in the next surgery. In the final correction, the pediatric surgery team pulls the working part of the colon down and attaches it to a point near the anus. The colostomy may be closed at this time.