Hirschsprung’s disease treatment is primarily surgical, as the condition is caused by the absence of nerve cells (ganglion cells) in a segment of the intestine, leading to severe constipation and bowel obstruction. The goal of treatment is to remove the affected bowel segment and restore normal intestinal function.
The most common surgical approach is the pull-through procedure, where the diseased portion of the colon is removed and the healthy section is connected directly to the anus. This surgery is often performed in infancy or early childhood and can be done using open or minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques.
Before surgery, some infants may require temporary measures such as rectal irrigations to relieve bowel obstruction and prevent enterocolitis, a serious complication. In severe cases, a temporary colostomy may be created before definitive surgery.