What is hirschsprung disease?

Colon dysmotility: Hirschsprung's disease is a condition that affects the large intestine (colon) and causes problems with motility preventing passing stool. It results from missing nerve cells in the muscles of part or all of the colon. Hirschsprung's disease is most often seen when a baby is born and does not pass stool. In some cases, it can present later in life.

Bowel problem: Hirschsprung is a disease of the intestine which is missing the nerves required to allow relaxation of the bowel so the stool can pass. It is disease the occurs in utero and is usualy diagnosed in the newborn or young child and can be corrected by a surgeon who specializes in pediatric surgery.

Lack ganglion cells: Hirschsprung’s disease (congenital megacolon) is caused by failed migration of colonic ganglion cells in utero. Varying lengths of the distal colon are unable to relax, causing functional colonic obstruction.Can vary from very short segment to entire large bowel. Obstruction noted usually in infancy, Sometimes recognition is later due to intractable constipation.