What is it?
In Hirschsprung disease, the nerve cells that push stool along are absent from the last part of the bowel. That segment stays tight, so stool cannot pass normally.
Common symptoms
- Failure to pass the first stool within 48 hours of birth
- Swollen tummy and vomiting in a newborn
- Long-standing severe constipation in an older child
- Poor weight gain or episodes of fever with foul diarrhoea
Causes
The nerve cells fail to migrate fully along the bowel during pregnancy. It is present from birth.
When should parents consult a surgeon?
- • A newborn who has not passed stool in the first two days
- • A baby with a distended tummy and repeated vomiting
- • A child with constipation not responding to usual treatment
How is it diagnosed?
Contrast enema and a rectal biopsy confirm the diagnosis, supported by clinical examination.
Treatment options
- Washouts to decompress the bowel initially
- Pull-through surgery to remove the affected segment
- A temporary stoma in some newborns before definitive surgery
When surgery may be required
Once the diagnosis is confirmed and the baby is stable, usually in the first months of life.
What happens during surgery
The affected bowel segment is removed and the healthy bowel is joined to the anus — often with minimally invasive techniques.
Recovery
Feeding restarts within days. Stool patterns settle over months, with regular follow-up for growth and bowel habit.
Frequently asked questions
Will my child have normal bowel control?
Most children achieve good bowel control after surgery, though some need dietary support and follow-up for a period.
Is it genetic?
There can be a familial tendency in a minority of cases. Your surgeon will guide you if relevant.
This page is general information for parents and does not replace a consultation. Every child is different — please have your child examined before deciding on treatment.