Hirschsprung’s disease

Hirschsprung’s disease An abnormal condition that is present at birth and is due to absence of the normal nerves (ganglia) in the bowel wall. Nerves can be missing starting at the anus and extending up a variable distance of the bowel. This results in enlargement of the bowel above the point of the missing nerve, as the nerves normally assist in the natural movement of the muscles in the lining of the bowels to move bowel contents through. Hirschsprung’s disease is the most common cause of lower intestinal blockage in newborns. The symptoms are vomiting, constipation, distention of the abdomen, and intestinal obstruction. Hirschsprung’s disease is a feature of a number of syndromes but can also occur in isolation. Treatment is surgery. Also known as congenital aganglionic megacolon or congenital megacolon.