HIRSCHSPRUNG’S DISEASE

Introduction: Hirschsprung’s Disease is one of the most common congenital anomalies that Pediatric Surgeons manage. In spite of the various modifications of pull through procedures available, the long term functional results are less than ideal. However, Modified Duhamel Procedure is one which has relatively good functional results and that is the reason we have selected this procedure for Hirschsprung’s disease in Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan. Objectives: To evaluate the outcome of patients after Modified Duhamel Procedure for Hirschsprung’s Disease. Design: This is case series study. Settings: Department of Pediatric Surgery Sheikh Zayed Medical College/ Hospital Rahim Yar Khan. Period: Seventeen cases were studied over a period of two year i.e. from November 2006 to December, 2008. Material and Method: Seventeen (17) cases from both sexes were operated for Hirschsprung’s Disease over a period of one year and Modified Duhamel Procedure was adopted for all these cases. All patients were diagnosed cases of rectosigmoidal aganglionosis and follow up was done over a period of one year according to a comprehensive Proforma. Four parameters like normal stool evacuation, abdominal distension, soiling and stool incontinence were followed and then the results were compared with other national and international studies. Results: Fever 19.4% (n=04), wound infection 19.4% (n=04), vomiting 9.52% (n=02), abdominal distension 4.76% (n=01), and bleeding per rectum 4.76% (n=01), were the immediate post operative complications. Fourteen patients (82.35%), used to pass stool once daily. Abdominal distension was observed occasionally in six patients (28.57%). Soiling was seen in five patients (29.41%). Out of Seventeen, stool incontinence was seen in only three patients (17.64%). Conclusion: Modified Duhamel Procedure with the help of linear cutter stapler device is quite safe, easy and less time consuming. Infact Modified Duhamel is a procedure of choice for Hirschsprung’s Disease.