Description
A birth defect and disease of infants in which nerve cells in the wall of the large intestine do not develop. These nerve cells control the muscle contractions of the intestines. Without proper muscle contractions (peristalsis) fecal material does pass through the intestines causing obstruction and dilation of the large intestine (colon).
Symptoms
Failure to pass meconium shortly after birth, failure to pass a first stool within 24 - 48 hours after birth, poor weight gain, swollen belly, vomiting, watery, explosive, diarrhea (in the newborn), constipation.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Additional tests to establish the diagnosis may include: anal manometry (a balloon is inflated in the rectum to measure the pressure), barium enema, and/or rectal biopsy.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Anal manometry, barium enema, rectal biopsy
Specialists:
Pediatric Surgery
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Additional tests to establish the diagnosis may include: anal manometry (a balloon is inflated in the rectum to measure the pressure), barium enema, and/or rectal biopsy.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Anal manometry, barium enema, rectal biopsy
Specialists:
Pediatric Surgery
Treatment
Treatment includes intravenous fluids, and surgical removal of the affected intestine.