Hirschsprung’s Disease Definition - What is Hirschsprung's Disease?

Hirschsprung’s disease (Megacolon), is a congenital defect of the large intestine in which there is an absence of the nerve fibers within certain segments of the intestinal muscles.
As a result, the muscles in the affected area do not work, and there is no peristalsis (the rhythmic movement by which the intestine moves its contents along) in the affected section.

This acts as an obstruction.

Hirschsprung disease symptoms

Hirschsprung's disease symptoms usually include severe, continuous constipation and the abdomen becomes increasingly distended (swollen) as the intestine fills with feces. The affected child may vomit, and growth may be retarded.

Hirschsprung disease treatment

Most cases require a surgical operation in which the abnormal section of the intestine is removed, and the two normal ends joined together.