Comparison of functional outcomes of Duhamel and transanal endorectal coloanal anastomosis for Hirschsprung's disease

Children with Hirschsprung disease exhibited alterations in host-microbial co-metabolism after pull-through operation

PURPOSE

This study aims to compare the fecal metabolome in post pull-through HD with and without HAEC patients and healthy young children using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.

METHODS

Fresh fecal samples were collected from children under 5 years of age in both post-pull-through HD patients and healthy Thai children. A total of 20 fecal samples were then analyzed using NMR spectroscopy.

RESULTS

Thirty-four metabolites identified among HD and healthy children younger than 5 years were compared. HD samples demonstrated a significant decrease in acetoin, phenylacetylglutamine, and N-acetylornithine (corrected p value = 0.01, 0.04, and 0.004, respectively). Succinate and xylose significantly decreased in HD with HAEC group compared to HD without HAEC group (corrected p value = 0.04 and 0.02, respectively). Moreover, glutamine and glutamate metabolism, and alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism were the significant pathways involved, with pathway impact 0.42 and 0.50, respectively (corrected p value = 0.02 and 0.04, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Differences in class, quantity, and metabolism of protein and other metabolites in young children with HD after pull-through operation were identified. Most of the associated metabolic pathways were correlated with the amino acids metabolism, which is required to maintain intestinal integrity and function.

Comparison of the Duhamel Procedure and Transanal Endorectal Pull-through Procedure in the Treatment of Children with Hirschsprung's Disease: A Systematic Review

Objective: To compare the Duhamel and transanal endorectal pull-through (TERPT) procedures in the treatment of children with Hirschsprung's disease.

METHODS

Studies comparing the Duhamel and TERPT procedures were included until 22 July 2023. R software (version 4.3.0) was used to perform the meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Ten studies with a sum of 496 patients were included. The length of postoperative hospital stay and incidence of postoperative constipation were longer and higher after the Duhamel procedure than the TERPT procedure (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0041, respectively). The incidence of postoperative anastomotic stricture was higher after the TERPT procedure than the Duhamel procedure (p = 0.0015). No significant differences were found in the incidence of postoperative fecal continence, fecal incontinence/soiling, anastomotic leak, or ileus between these two procedures. The operation time seemed to be similar for both procedures, but it became longer for the Duhamel procedure than the TERPT procedure after sensitivity analysis. While the incidence of postoperative enterocolitis seemed to be higher after the TERPT procedure, it became similar for both procedures in the subgroup analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The Duhamel procedure seems to be associated with a longer length of postoperative hospital stay, a higher incidence of postoperative constipation, and a lower incidence of postoperative anastomotic stricture than the TERPT procedure. However, the effect of these two procedures on the operation time and the incidence of postoperative enterocolitis remains unclear.

Risk factors for Hirschsprung disease-associated enterocolitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The incidence of Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is nearly 1/5000 and patients with HSCR are usually treated through surgical intervention. Hirschsprung disease-associated enterocolitis (HAEC) is a complication of HSCR with the highest morbidity and mortality in patients. The evidence on the risk factors for HAEC remains inconclusive to date.

METHODS

Four English databases and four Chinese databases were searched for relevant studies published until May 2022. The search retrieved 53 relevant studies. The retrieved studies were scored on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale by three researchers. Revman 5.4 software was employed for data synthesis and analysis. Stata 16 software was employed for sensitivity analysis and bias analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 53 articles were retrieved from the database search, which included 10 012 cases of HSCR and 2310 cases of HAEC. The systematic analysis revealed anastomotic stenosis or fistula [ I2 =66%, risk ratio (RR)=1.90, 95% CI 1.34-2.68, P <0.001], preoperative enterocolitis ( I2 =55%, RR=2.07, 95% CI 1.71-2.51, P <0.001), preoperative malnutrition ( I2 =0%, RR=1.96, 95% CI 1.52-2.53, P <0.001), preoperative respiratory infection or pneumonia ( I2 =0%, RR=2.37, 95% CI 1.91-2.93, P <0.001), postoperative ileus ( I2 =17%, RR=2.41, 95% CI 2.02-2.87, P <0.001), length of ganglionless segment greater than 30 cm ( I2 =0%, RR=3.64, 95% CI 2.43-5.48, P <0.001), preoperative hypoproteinemia ( I2 =0%, RR=1.91, 95% CI 1.44-2.54, P <0.001), and Down syndrome ( I2 =29%, RR=1.65, 95% CI 1.32-2.07, P <0.001) as the risk factors for postoperative HAEC. Short-segment HSCR ( I2 =46%, RR=0.62, 95% CI 0.54-0.71, P <0.001) and transanal operation ( I2 =78%, RR=0.56, 95% CI 0.33-0.96, P =0.03) were revealed as the protective factors against postoperative HAEC. Preoperative malnutrition ( I2 =35 % , RR=5.33, 95% CI 2.68-10.60, P <0.001), preoperative hypoproteinemia ( I2 =20%, RR=4.17, 95% CI 1.91-9.12, P <0.001), preoperative enterocolitis ( I2 =45%, RR=3.51, 95% CI 2.54-4.84, P <0.001), and preoperative respiratory infection or pneumonia ( I2 =0%, RR=7.20, 95% CI 4.00-12.94, P <0.001) were revealed as the risk factors for recurrent HAEC, while short-segment HSCR ( I2 =0%, RR=0.40, 95% CI 0.21-0.76, P =0.005) was revealed as a protective factor against recurrent HAEC.

CONCLUSION

The present review delineated the multiple risk factors for HAEC, which could assist in preventing the development of HAEC.

Clinical and manometric evaluation of postoperative anorectal function in patients after trans-anal pull-through for Hirschsprung disease

Background

Transanal endorectal pull-through (TEPT) surgery is a new trend in the treatment of Hirschsprung disease, and evaluating its functional outcome is difficult. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the defecation pattern after TEPT surgery in pediatrics.

Material and methods

In this cross-sectional survey, 40 patients with Hirschsprung disease were studied. They underwent a one-stage transanal pull-through procedure from May 2007 till April 2015 in Namazi hospital by the same surgeon. All the patients had the aganglionic segment in the rectosigmoid, confirmed by pre-operation barium enema and post-operation histopathology. The patients were 40 children with mean operation age of 36.6 months old. The success rate of surgery was evaluated by following the questionnaire form. Clinical evaluation with bowel function score and anorectomanometry were carried out.

Result

One hundred percent of them had a daily stool. Eighty-five percent of patients never experienced pain during defecation, 10% experienced occasional pain, and the rest felt pain with every defecation. Just one case (5%) reported using a laxative. Regarding improvements after the operation, 75% were completely okay, 20% felt much better, and 5% reported some improvements. The average National Health Service score was 8.375, which seems satisfactory. The mean average anal sphincter in the group with soiling was 39.67 and in the group without soiling was 34.83, which is in the normal range in both groups, and there was no significant difference between these groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The defecation pattern after TEPT surgery were satisfactory in almost all cases, even in infancy. Most patients had satisfactory manometry and clinical result.

Systematic screen of potential circular RNA biomarkers of Hirschsprung's disease

BACKGROUND

Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) is a developmental disorder of the enteric nervous system in which enteric ganglia are missing along a portion of the intestine. Aberrant expression of several circular RNAs (circRNAs) has been identified in the disease, but the full range of dysregulated circRNAs and their potential roles in its pathogenesis remain unclear. We used microarray profiling to systematically screen for circRNAs that were differentially expressed in HSCR, and we comprehensively analyzed the potential circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network to identify molecular mechanisms involved in the disorder.

METHODS

We identified circRNAs that were differentially expressed between diseased tissue and paired normal intestinal tissues from patients with HSCR. The most strongly upregulated circRNAs were then validated by quantitative reverse-transcription-PCR (RT-PCR). We also constructed a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA interaction network to determine functional interactions between miRNAs and mRNAs.

RESULTS

We identified 17 circRNAs that were upregulated and 10 that were downregulated in HSCR tissue compared with normal tissues. The five circRNAs that showed the greatest upregulation were verified by RT-PCR: hsa_circRNA_092493, hsa_circRNA_101965, hsa_circRNA_103118, hsa_circRNA_103279, and hsa_circRNA_104214. These five circRNAs were successfully adopted to diagnose HSCR based on receiver operating characteristic curves, and they were used to generate a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network. The network revealed a potential function of the circRNAs as molecular sponges targeting miRNAs and mRNAs in HSCR.

CONCLUSIONS

This first-ever systematic dissection of the circRNA profile in HSCR may provide useful insights into improving diagnosis and therapy.

ERNICA guidelines for the management of rectosigmoid Hirschsprung's disease

BACKGROUND

Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) is a serious congenital bowel disorder with a prevalence of 1/5000. Currently, there is a lack of systematically developed guidelines to assist clinical decision-making regarding diagnostics and management.

AIMS

This guideline aims to cover the diagnostics and management of rectosigmoid HSCR up to adulthood. It aims to describe the preferred approach of ERNICA, the European Reference Network for rare inherited and congenital digestive disorders.

METHODS

Recommendations within key topics covering the care pathway for rectosigmoid HSCR were developed by an international workgroup of experts from 8 European countries within ERNICA European Reference Network from the disciplines of surgery, medicine, histopathology, microbiology, genetics, and patient organization representatives. Recommendation statements were based on a comprehensive review of the available literature and expert consensus. AGREE II and GRADE approaches were used during development. Evidence levels and levels of agreement are noted.

RESULTS

Thirty-three statements within 9 key areas were generated. Most recommendations were based on expert opinion.

CONCLUSION

In rare or low-prevalence diseases such as HSCR, there remains limited availability of high-quality clinical evidence. Consensus-based guidelines for care are presented.

Transanal endorectal pull-through procedure versus transabdominal surgery for Hirschsprung disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the clinical results of transanal endorectal pull-through (TERPT) and transabdominal approach (TAB) in the treatment of Hirschsprung disease.

METHODS

We searched all publications in the PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases between January 2003 and November 2018. The study included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational clinical studies (OCSs), to compare the surgery duration, length of postoperative hospital stay, incidence of postoperative incontinence/soiling, constipation, and enterocolitis between the TERPT and TAB groups. Mantel-Haenszel method was used for continuous variables, the combined odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for dichotomous variables were used.

RESULTS

In the 87 studies, we include 1 case of RCTs and 9 cases of OCSs. Including 392 cases of TERPT and 332 cases of TAB groups. TERPT has a short postoperative hospitalization [mean difference (MD) = -6.74 day; 95% CIs; -13.26 to -0.23; P = .04], and a low incidence of postoperative incontinence (ORs = 0.54; 95% CIs, 0.35-0.83; P = .006) and constipation (ORs = 0.50; 95% CIs, 0.28-0.90; P = .02). There was no difference in duration of surgery (MD = -30.59 min; 95% CIs, -98.01-36.83; P = .37) and incidence of postoperative enterocolitis (ORs = 0.78; 95% CIs, 0.53-1.17; P = .23).

CONCLUSION

TERPT is superior to TAB in terms of hospitalization time, postoperative incontinence, and constipation. However, there are still a large number of RCTs to verify, and more trials are expected to be testified in the future.

Duhamel operation vs. transanal endorectal pull-through procedure for Hirschsprung disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To compare treatment outcomes in children with Hirschsprung's disease who underwent treatment using the Duhamel or TERPT surgical procedures.

METHODS

Medline, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases were searched through December 26, 2016. Search strings included Hirschsprung's disease, fecal incontinence, transanal endorectal pull-through, and Duhamel operation. Randomized controlled studies (RCTs) and retrospective studies that compared the treatment of Hirschsprung's disease in with TERPT or Duhamel surgical procedures in neonates, infants, or children were included.

RESULTS

The study included six studies with a total of 280 patients. The meta-analysis indicated that the Duhamel and TERPT interventions were similar with respect to rate of postoperative fecal incontinence (OR=0.85, 95% CI=0.37 to 1.92, P=0.692) and operation time (difference in means=46.68min, 95% CI=-26.96 to 114.31, P=0.226). The Duhamel procedure was associated with longer postoperative hospital stay (Difference in means=3.14days, 95% CI=1.46 to 4.82, P<.001) and a lower rate of enterocolitis (OR=0.21, 95%=0.07 to 0.68, P=0.009) compared with the TERPT procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

The study found that Duhamel and TERPT procedures showed similar benefit in treating Hirschsprung's disease, although differences exist with respect to length of postoperative hospital stay and the incidence of enterocolitis.

THE TYPE OF STUDY

Meta-analysis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II.

Long-term outcome and quality of life in patients with total colonic aganglionosis in the Netherlands

AIM

Total colonic aganglionosis (TCA) is a severe form of Hirschsprung's disease (HD) associated with a high morbidity. This study assessed long-term functional outcome and quality of life (QoL) of patients with TCA in a national consecutive cohort.

METHODS

Surgical and demographic characteristics in the medical records of all patients (n = 53) diagnosed with TCA between 1995 and 2015 were reviewed. Functional outcome of all nonsyndromal patients, aged ≥ 4 years (n = 35), was assessed using a questionnaire and in medical records. Generic and disease-specific QoL were assessed using standardized validated questionnaires.

RESULTS

Of 35 patients eligible for follow-up, 18 (51%) responded to the questionnaires. They were aged 4-19 years. A Duhamel procedure was performed in 67% of these patients and a Rehbein procedure was performed in 33%. In the questionnaire, 65% of the patients reported constipation, 47% faecal incontinence and 53% soiling. Moreover, 18% of patients used bowel management (flushing or laxatives) and 29% had an adapted diet only. Children and adolescents with TCA had worse perception of their general health and were more limited by bodily pain and discomfort compared with healthy peers. Their quality of life is influenced most by frequent complaints of diarrhoea and other physical symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Children and adolescents with TCA report lower health-related QoL compared with healthy peers, especially in the physical domain. We suggest standardized follow-up and prospective longitudinal future research on functionality and QoL of these patients.

Difference of efficacy between Laparoscopic Modified Soave operation and Open Radical Resection in the treatment of Hirschsprung's disease

Objective

To analyze and compare the efficacy of laparoscopic modified Soave operation and open radical resection in the treatment of Hirschsprung's disease.

Methods

Two hundred and sixteen children who suffered from Hirschsprung's disease and were admitted into the hospital from June 2015 to December 2016 were selected as research subjects. They were grouped into an observation group in which patients were treated by laparoscopic modified Soave operation and open radical resection and a control group in which patients were treated by open radical resection. The clinical efficacy and complications of the two groups were observed, and the defecation function was also evaluated.

Results

Operation indicators such as the operation time, time to recovery of intestine peristalsis, intraoperative blood loss and pain score of the observation group were superior to those of the control group, and the difference had statistical significance (P<0.05). The mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) of the observation group were lower than those of the control group at all time points after operation, and the difference suggested statistical significance (P<0.05). The postoperative complications of the observation group were less than those of the control group. The follow-up results demonstrated that the excellent and good rate of Kelly score of the observation group was 81.5%, higher than 61.1% in the control group.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic modified Soave operation has definite efficacy in the treatment of Hirschsprung's disease, and the treatment is featured by high safety and few complications, which is beneficial to the recovery of defecation function; hence laparoscopic modified Soave operation is worth clinical promotion.

Bowel Function and Quality of Life After Transanal Endorectal Pull-through for Hirschsprung Disease: Controlled Outcomes up to Adulthood

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to define controlled outcomes up to adulthood for bowel function and quality of life (QoL) after transanal endorectal pull-through (TEPT) for Hirschsprung disease (HD).

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Although TEPT is the surgical standard for HD, controlled long-term follow-up studies evaluating bowel function and QoL are lacking.

METHODS

Patients aged ≥4 years operated for HD with TEPT between 1987 and 2011 answered detailed questionnaires on bowel function and QoL [Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL, age <18 yrs) or Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) and SF-36]. Patients were compared with 3 age- and gender-matched controls each randomly selected from the general population.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine patients (64%) responded (median age 15, range 4-32 years; 86% rectosigmoid aganglionosis). Compared with controls, patients reported impairment of all aspects of fecal control (P < 0.05), except constipation. In cross-section, 75% of patients were socially continent (vs 98% of controls; P < 0.001). Soiling, fecal accidents, rectal sensation, and ability to withhold defecation improved with age to levels comparable to controls by adulthood (P = NS), but stooling frequency remained higher in 44% of patients (P < 0.05 vs controls). PedsQL domains in childhood were equal to controls (P = NS), except for proxy-reports of sadness/depression. Adults exhibited lower emotional scores, limitation of personal, and sexual relationships (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Compared with matched peers, significant impairment of fecal control prevails after TEPT in HD patients during childhood, but symptoms diminish with age. Although overall QoL appeared comparable to controls, impairment of emotional and sexual domains may prevail in adulthood.

Redo pullthrough for Hirschsprung disease

Pullthrough procedures for Hirschsprung diseases typically have favorable results. However, some children experience long-term postoperative complications comprising stooling disorders, such as intermittent enterocolitis, severe stool retention, intestinal obstruction, as well as incontinence. Reoperative Hirschsprung Disease surgery is complex. This begins with the workup after the initial presentation following primary pullthrough, continues with the definitive surgical correction with redo pullthrough, and ends with long-term follow-up of individuals. The decision tree can be varied with each patient. The operating pediatric surgeon must be able to utilize different operations and treatment options available. While lesser procedures may provide relief in a select population, those with residual aganglionosis or transition zone pathology or mechanical problems will likely require a redo pullthrough. Thus, the diagnostic workup, treatment plan, and definitive surgical care should be coordinated, and executed by an experienced, specialized team at a pediatric referral center.

A population-based, complete follow-up of 146 consecutive patients after transanal mucosectomy for Hirschsprung disease

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study is to define the population-based bowel functional outcomes and enterocolitis following transanal endorectal pull-through (TEPT) in patients with Hirschsprung disease (HD) treated at our institution between 1986 and 2011.

METHODS

146 consecutive patients who had undergone primary surgical treatment for HD were included. The median follow-up time was 15 (3-33) years. The clinical details and prevalence of enterocolitis were evaluated in all patients, and bowel function in patients >3 years of age with functional intestino-anal continuity.

RESULTS

No patients were lost to follow-up. Overall survival was 98%. The level of disease was rectosigmoid in 83%, long segment in 7%, total colonic in 4%, and extending up to the small bowel in 6%. 29% had an associated syndrome. 22% had a preoperative stoma. Operations included TEPT (89%), proctocolectomy with ileoanal anastomosis in 9%, and 3% had a permanent endostomy owing to small intestinal aganglionosis. One patient underwent intestinal transplantation. At the latest follow-up, 42% had occasional soiling, 12% had frequent soiling and 46% had no soiling. Constipation occurred in 9%. An associated syndrome was the only predictor for soiling or constipation (OR 4.3, 95% CI 1.5-12). 44% developed recurrent postoperative enterocolitis, which was predicted by extended aganglionosis (OR 6.9, 95% CI 2.4-20) and syndromatic disease (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.2-5.0).

CONCLUSION

The major functional sequelae following TEPT were recurrent enterocolitis and fecal soiling, which was mostly occasional. An associated syndrome was a predictor of a reduced bowel functional outcome, and alongside extended aganglionosis were significant risk factors for recurrent postoperative enterocolitis.

Long-term outcomes and quality of life after subtotal colectomy combined with modified Duhamel procedure for adult Hirschsprung's disease

BACKGROUND

Subtotal colectomy combined with modified Duhamel procedure (Jinling procedure) was used in patients with adult Hirschsprung's disease (AHD) at Jinling Hospital in the last decade. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety, effectiveness and quality of life of Jinling procedure for AHD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All the data are from the database of the Jinling Hospital Constipation Registry System. Primary outcomes, including safety (morbidity and adverse events), effectiveness (satisfaction rate, Wexner constipation scale (WCS) and bowel function score (BFS)) and gastrointestinal quality of life index (GIQLI), were all evaluated.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine patients were available for this study and the mean postoperative period was 44 months. Seventeen major complications were found in 11 patients and most of the complications could be managed conservatively. A significant improvement in WCS, BFS and GIQLI at 6 months postoperatively was obtained.

CONCLUSION

Jinling procedure is safe and effective for AHD.

Transanal endorectal pull-through versus transabdominal approach for Hirschsprung's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

Transanal endorectal pull-through (TERPT) has become popular for single-stage treatment of Hirschsprung's disease. The benefits of TERPT over the conventional transabdominal approach (TAB) are still unclear. We performed a comprehensive meta-analysis comparing the clinical outcomes of TERPT and TAB.

METHODS

Original articles published from 1998 to 2012 were searched from Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) and observational clinical studies (OCS) comparing TERPT and TAB were included. Outcomes evaluated included operative time, hospital stay and incidence of postoperative incontinence/soiling, constipation and enterocolitis. Pooled odds ratios (OR) were calculated for dichotomous variables; pooled mean differences (MD) were measured for continuous variables.

RESULTS

Of 93 studies, 1 RCT and 11 OCS were included, comprising 444 cases of TERPT and 348 cases of TAB (215 Soave, 94 Duhamel, 24 Swenson, 15 Rehbein procedures). TERPT had shorter operative time (MD=-57.85 min; 95% confidence interval [CI], -83.11 to -32.60; P<0.00001) and hospital stay (MD=-7.06 days; 95% CI, -10.95 to -3.16; P=0.0004). TERPT had less postoperative incontinence/soiling (OR=0.58; 95% CI 0.37-0.90; P=0.01) and constipation (OR=0.49; 95% CI 0.30-0.81; P=0.005). There was no difference in incidence of postoperative enterocolitis.

CONCLUSION

TERPT is superior to TAB in operative time, hospital stay, postoperative incontinence and constipation. However, more randomized controlled trials are necessary to verify the benefit of TERPT for Hirschsprung's disease.

The pathogenesis of Hirschsprung's disease-associated enterocolitis

Hirschsprung's disease-associated enterocolitis (HAEC) remains the most life-threatening complication in Hirschsprung disease (HD) patients. The pathogenesis of HAEC has not been determined and many hypotheses regarding the etiology of HAEC have been proposed. These include a possible causal relationship between the abnormal enteric nervous system development in HD and the development of enterocolitis. Based on the complex genetic causes of HD that have been discovered and the resultant heterogeneous group of patients that exists, the causes of HAEC are likely multiple. New insights regarding the relationship of the role of the enteric nervous system and its interaction between intestinal barrier function, innate host immunity, and commensal microflora have been discovered, which may shed light on this perplexing problem. This review presents current known risk factors of HAEC and the proposed theories and supporting evidence for the potential etiologies of HAEC.

Future therapies for Hirschsprung's disease

The current management of Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) is still associated with significant long-term morbidities despite on-going refinements in surgical care. Over the course of the past 20 years, significant inroads have been made in our understanding of the development of the enteric nervous system and what factors are responsible for the development of HSCR. This has prompted increased interest in the possibility of using this knowledge to develop new alternative and adjunctive therapies for HSCR. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the current progress being made toward the development of future therapies to improve the outcome for children with HSCR.

Comparative review of functional outcomes post surgery for Hirschsprung's disease utilizing the paediatric incontinence and constipation scoring system

PURPOSE

We aim to analyze differences in functional outcomes in children operated on for Hirschsprung's disease (HD) using the Paediatric incontinence/constipation scoring system (PICSS) validated in a normative group.

METHODS

A retrospective review of the records of all children operated on for HD between 1997 and 2010 was performed. Patients had either a Soave or transanal endorectal pull-through. Children with total colonic aganglionosis and Down's syndrome were excluded. Utilizing the PICSS children who scored below their age-specific lower limit 95 % confidence interval PICSS scores were considered to have incomplete continence or constipation. The rates of incomplete continence and constipation were compared between groups. Significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

PICSS analysis could be completed in 51 (Soave 35, transanal 16). The median age at interview was 71 months (range 6-191 months). The rate of incomplete continence was 75 % (n = 21) and 71 % (n = 10) for the Soave and transanal groups, respectively (p = 1.00). The constipation rate was 34 % (n = 12) and 25 % (n = 4) for the Soave and transanal groups, respectively (p = 0.74). The overall rates of incomplete continence and constipation rates were 74 and 31 %, respectively, compared with 14 and 10 %, respectively, when rates were calculated by review of records.

CONCLUSION

The PICSS is a sensitive tool for assessing functional outcome post HD surgery. The Soave and transanal procedures have similar functional outcomes.

Reoperative surgery for Hirschsprung disease

Despite most children undergoing a successful pull through for Hirschsprung disease, a small portion of children are left with persistent stooling issues. Most of these stooling issues can be addressed by nonoperative approaches. However, in a small group of remaining children, a reoperation may be necessary. Most children who may need a redo pull-through procedure may have a persistent area of aganglionosis, unremitting enterocolitis, or a torsion or stricture of the pull-through segment. Each of these influences the approach the surgeon must take to correct the presenting problem. The chapter details the diagnostic approach as well as the operative techniques, which best deal with each of these complications.

Outcome of transanal endorectal vs. transabdominal pull-through in patients with Hirschsprung's disease

INTRODUCTION

Various outcomes have been reported in patients with Hirschsprung's disease (HD) following transanal endorectal (TERPT) or conventional transabdominal (ABD) pull-through procedures. This study examined postoperative complications and the long-term outcome of TERPT vs. ABD pull-through for HD.

METHODS

Records were reviewed for 53 patients over 3 years of age in whom a pull-through procedure was performed for HD (TERPT, n = 24; ABD, n = 29) between 1992 and 2007 at the Departments of Pediatric Surgery, University of Heidelberg and University Hospital of Mannheim, and their families were interviewed and scored via a thorough 15-item, post-pull-through, long-term outcome questionnaire. Total scores ranged from 0 to 40: 0 to 10, excellent; 11 to 20, good; 21 to 30, fair; and 31 to 40, poor. Two-sided Fisher's exact test and analysis of variance were used to compare different variables in patients in the two groups with significance set at p < 0.05. Results are expressed as mean and standard deviation (SD).

RESULTS

Overall scores were similar (TERPT, n = 16, 7.3 +/- 6.6 vs. ABD, n = 23, 4.6 +/- 3.5, p = 0.11) and showed mainly excellent or good long-term outcome for TERPT (93.8%) and ABD (99.7%) pull-through procedures. The incidence of incontinence in children older than 3 years was insignificantly lower in ABD group (TERPT 18.7% vs. ABD 4.3 %, p = 0.15). Regarding the soiling score, however, the soiling tended to be significantly more severe after TERPT than ABD. For the TERPT procedure, the appearance of postoperative constipation, enterocolitis, anastomotic dehiscence, and symptomatic anastomotic stricture was lower but this was not statistically significant. After TERPT, patients started to feed sooner (TERPT 2.8 days vs. ABD 4.4 days, p = 0.005) and operating time (TERPT 133.2 min vs. ABD 204 min, p < 0.001) and hospital stay (TERPT 9.8 days vs. ABD 17.7 days, p < 0.001) were significantly shorter.

CONCLUSION

We employ the TERPT procedure as the first choice in children with rectosigmoid HD.

Long-term outcome of children after single-stage transanal endorectal pull-through for Hirschsprung's disease

BACKGROUND

single-stage transanal endorectal pull-through (TEPT) is a new technique for surgery of Hirschsprung's disease (HD). TEPT can be assisted by laparoscopy (laparoscopic assisted transanal pull-through, LATP) or with non-additional procedure (total transanal endorectal pull-through, TTEP). This study was undertaken to evaluate the long-term outcome of these approaches in children with HD.

METHODS

we retrospectively studied 131 patients (112 males and 19 females) aged 7 days to 14 years who underwent single-stage TEPT from October 2003 to July 2008. The medical records were reviewed for pre-, intra- and immediate post-operative complications. The data on stool pattern and complications were collected during the follow-up. Outcome was measured by continence evaluation score.

RESULTS

no patients had intraoperative complications, but 5 had minor immediate postoperative complications. Late postoperative complications in 12 patients included enterocolitis (4 patients, one with severe enterocolitis died 7 months after operation), soiling (6) and constipation (2). There was a significantly higher frequency of stool in patients aged more than 36 months and those with a resected colon more than 30 cm (P<0.05). LATP showed significantly higher frequency of stool and soiling (P<0.05). Of the 54 patients who were older than 3 years at the time of follow-up, continence score was normal in 10, good in 39, fair in 3, and poor in 2. Seventy-seven patients achieved good bowel control in 12.8 ± 8.11 months after operation, 93.5 5% of whom within 24 months. Stool function was not improved in patients more than 30 months old after operation.

CONCLUSIONS

the long-term outcome of single stage TEPT was excellent. There were few postoperative complications, and stool pattern improved gradually to an excellent level within 24 months. Internal plication can be a good option for reducing the dilated proximal colon.

Outcome of anorectal malformations and Hirschsprung's disease beyond childhood

Anorectal malformations (ARMs) and Hirschsprung disease (HD) are the most common congenital colorectal defects in the newborn. The outcomes of HD and ARMs have improved significantly because of improved understanding of the pathologic anatomy and physiology of these defects and of the modern surgical techniques. Still, many patients suffer from defective bowel control even as adults. Some of these also have problems with urinary control and sexual functions. The functional problems are more pronounced in patients with ARMs. Compared with healthy people, both patients with ARMs and those with HD have limitations in their quality of life. Inferior quality of life is more common in patients with ARMs. There are very few published data on long-term outcome of adults with ARMs and HD. The effect of aging on the functional outcome and quality of life remains unclear, although some preliminary data suggest that the bowel function and quality of life may deteriorate with aging.

A NOTES modification of the transanal pull-through

Transanal endorectal pull-through (TAEPT) surgery is primarily performed for rectosigmoid aganglionosis, generally with excellent results. There is evidence that overstretching the anus and tension traction in the sigmoid during the procedure could impair the final continence of the patient. Many researchers suggest the use of small umbilical or laparoscopic access to aid in colon mobilization, thus preventing excessive handling within the anal canal. We assumed that transabdominal mobilization of the sigmoid could be prevented by utilizing the NOTES (natural orifices transluminal endoscopic surgery) technique. We performed a TAEPT with NOTES access of the sigmoid vascular pedicle, keeping the surgery exclusively transanal, which prevented scars in the abdomen and minimized the stretching of perineal structures.

Hirschsprung's disease: the "Swiss roll" technique revisited

PURPOSE

During pull-through for Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR), the assessment of innervation is mainly based on the presence of ganglion cells when conventional Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE) staining is used. In hypoganglionosis, the evaluation is difficult. We adapted a standardized methodology for the examination of resected bowel after HSCR surgery, using the technique described by Moolenbeek on rodent intestine and later by Meier-Ruge in children. We have analysed the entire innervation of surgically resected bowels and compared the results with the follow up of patients.

METHODS

Three longitudinal strips of colon were harvested from the mesenteric, anti-mesenteric and intermediate part in the whole length of resected colon of six patients with HSCR. Each strip was divided into two parts. One of the contiguous strips was assessed with HE and Hematoxylin-Phloxin-Safran, and the other one with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) histochemistry. We analyzed the distribution of ganglion cells and nerve arrangement along the strips with both techniques and compared the results obtained in the three different regions of the bowel.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the pattern of innervation circumferentially. There was a correlation between a progressive increase of AChE activity and nerve hypertrophy and a decrease of ganglion cells from the proximal to the distal part of the resected colon in the submucosa and the myenteric plexus. Nerve hypertrophy and AChE-positive reaction in the mucosa were found at the resection border in patients who presented postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Simultaneous assessment of nerve cells, nerve fibers and AChE activity is important in the evaluation of the innervation of the bowel segment proximal to the aganglionic zone. The method described is feasible and can be adapted to older children and adults with larger bowels. These results point out the importance of assessing nerve fibers in intraoperative biopsies during pull-through procedures to prevent uncomplete surgical bowel resection.

Patterns of postoperative enterocolitis in children with Hirschsprung's disease combined with hypoganglionosis

OBJECTIVE

The relationship between postoperative enterocolitis (EC) and Hirschsprung's disease (HD) combined with hypoganglionosis (HYP) has not been thoroughly reported elsewhere. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of EC after operation in children with HD combined with HYP and to identify new strategies to prevent postoperative EC.

METHODS

From 1998 to 2005, 97 children with HD underwent the modified Swenson's procedure in this institute. They were classified into 2 groups based on pathologic investigation as follows: group A contained 70 patients with HD and group B contained 27 patients with HD complicated with HYP. The mean follow-up time from the time of the operation was 3.4 years (range, 1.5-8 years). The incidence of postoperative EC and anorectal functions were evaluated and compared between these 2 groups.

RESULTS

Eight cases (11.4%) in group A developed postoperative EC, whereas 11 (40.7%) in group B did so. The incidence of postoperative EC in group A was significantly lower than that in group B (P < .005). According to the Rintala scoring system, the percentage of patients with an excellent score in group A (85.7%) was significantly higher than that in group B (P < .05). The recurrence rate of constipation in group B was 14.8% (4/27), whereas it was 2.8% (2/70) in group A.

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative EC is associated with retained proximal HYP, which suggests that HYP could be, at minimum, a predictive marker for this complication. Complete resection of HYP segment could potentially minimize the incidence of postoperative EC and alleviate the severity of EC.

Transanal endorectal pull-through in children with Hirschsprung's disease--technical refinements and comparison of results with the Duhamel procedure

PURPOSE

Transanal endorectal pull-through (TEPT) has drastically changed the treatment of Hirschsprung's disease (HD). A short follow-up of children submitted to TEPT reveals results that are similar to the classic transabdominal pull-through procedures. However, few reports compare the late results of TEPT with transabdominal pull-through procedures with respect to complication rates and the fecal continence. The aims of the present work are to describe some technical refinements that we introduced in the procedure and to compare the short and long-term outcome of TEPT with the outcomes of a group of patients with HD who previously underwent the Duhamel procedure.

METHODS

Thirty-five patients who underwent TEPT were prospectively studied and compared to a group of 29 patients who were treated with colostomy followed by a classical Duhamel pull-through. The main modifications introduced in the TEPT group were no preoperative colon preparation, operation conducted under general anesthesia in addition to regional sacral anesthesia, use of only one purse-string suture in the rectal mucosa before transanal submucosal dissection, and no use of retractors and electrocautery during the submucosal dissection.

RESULTS

The most frequent early complications of TEPT group were perineal dermatitis (22.8%) and anastomotic strictures (8.6%). The comparison with patients who underwent Duhamel procedure revealed no difference in the incidence of preoperative enterocolitis, the patients of the TEPT group were younger at the time of diagnosis and of surgery, they had shorter operating times, and they began oral feeding more quickly after the operation. The incidence of wound infection was lower in the TEPT group. Moreover, the TEPT and Duhamel groups showed no difference in the incidences of mortality, postoperative partial continence, and total incontinence. Although the incidences of complete continence and postoperative enterocolitis were not different, a tendency to the increased incidence in the TEPT group was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

This study further supports the technical advantages, the simplicity, and the decreased incidence of complications of a primary TEPT procedure when compared to a classical form of pull-through. Some technical refinements are described, and no preoperative colon preparation was necessary for the patients studied here. The results show that the long-term outcomes of the modified TEPT procedure are generally better than those obtained with classical approaches.

Development of a standardized definition for Hirschsprung's-associated enterocolitis: a Delphi analysis

PURPOSE

The reported incidence of Hirschsprung's-associated enterocolitis (HAEC) is extremely variable. A standardized definition would permit comparison of different studies and provide an interpretable outcome measure for future prospective studies in patients with Hirschsprung's disease.

METHODS

The Delphi method is a technique for achieving consensus among a panel of experts. A list of 38 potential criteria from the history, physical examination, radiologic studies, and pathologic specimens was made available to pediatric surgeons and gastroenterologists who have contributed to the literature on Hirschsprung's disease. Each expert ranked the diagnostic importance of each item using a Likert scale. In subsequent surveys, the same process was used, but the means and SDs from previous rounds were included as a way of influencing the experts toward consensus. Cronbach's alpha was used after each round to measure variability among the experts. Once consensus was reached, an overall "HAEC score" was developed by assigning a value of 1 or 2 to each item that was considered important by the expert panel. The score was then validated by circulating 10 clinical cases to the panel and asking if each represented HAEC or not.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven experts completed the survey. Cronbach's alpha increased from 0.93 after the first round to 0.97 after the second. Criteria receiving the highest scores were diarrhea, explosive stools, abdominal distension, and radiologic evidence of bowel obstruction or mucosal edema. Eighteen items were included in the score. During the validation process, the score agreed with the experts in 9 of the 10 case scenarios.

CONCLUSION

The most important clinical diagnostic criteria for HAEC were identified from a larger pool of potential diagnostic items through a consensus approach using the Delphi method. A score was developed and validated and can now be used as a standardized and reproducible outcome measure for future studies in children with Hirschsprung's disease.

Primary pull-through with modified Duhamel technique: 1 institution's experience

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Primary pull-through for Hirschsprung disease has been reported to give comparable surgical outcomes to staged operations with less morbidity. The aim of this study was to review the early experiences in our institution with the primary pull-through option.

METHODS

Medical records of 50 consecutive patients with Hirschsprung disease who underwent a modified Duhamel pull-through operation from 2001 to 2004 were retrospectively reviewed. For analysis, cases were divided into 2 groups: primary pull-through (group I, 30 patients), and patients with a previously established colostomy who underwent a staged operation (group II, 20 patients). Comparisons were made regarding operating time, operative morbidity, and medium-term functional outcomes.

RESULTS

There was no difference between the groups with respect to median age and weight at time of surgery, sex ratio, presenting symptoms, and extent of aganglionosis. Seventy-four percent of the procedures were performed on infants (group I, 21 [70%] of 30 patients; group II, 16 [80%] of 20 patients). Acute postoperative complications were experienced by 4 (13.3%) of 30 patients in group I and 4 (20%) of 20 patients in group II (P <.05). Postoperative enterocolitis occurred in 11 (36.7%) of 30 patients in group I and in 7 (41.2%) of 17 patients in group II.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experience indicates that the primary pull-through using a modified Duhamel technique gave neither difference in functional outcomes nor medium-term complications compared to a staged procedure. Considering a sparing of colostomy and a potential economic benefit, the procedure should be considered in selected patients.

Duhamel operation vs neonatal transanal endorectal pull-through procedure for Hirschsprung disease: which are the changes for pathologists?

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether performing definitive surgery for Hirschsprung disease (HD) in neonatal period with a transanal endorectal pull-through (TEPT) procedure had modified our diagnostic relevance, particularly during intraoperative frozen sections (IOFS), compared to classic Duhamel (DH) surgery performed in older children.

METHODS

We collected pathologic data for 47 children who underwent surgery for neonatal nontotal HD over a 5-year period.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients underwent TEPT and 18 the DH operation. Mean age at operation was 19 days for TEPT and 4 months for DH operation. The mean number of IOFS was 2.6 for TEPT and 2.4 for DH operation. Gross examination could be fully completed in all TEPT cases, but was incomplete in 5 DH cases. The average total lengths of bowel, and aganglionic, transitional, and ganglionic segments were 12.3, 7.3, 3, and 2 cm for TEPT, and 17.6, 9.3, 3.5, and 4.8 cm for DH operation, respectively. Discordance between IOFS and paraffin-section analysis occurred in 5 cases (3 TEPT and 2 DH operation).

CONCLUSION

When TEPT was used, the gross examination and sampling was more accurate, leading to a clearer pathology report. The TEPT procedure facilitates the work of the pathologist without modifying the results of IOFS, if some precautions are taken.

Is there a hidden mortality after one-stage transanal endorectal pull-through for patients with Hirschsprung's disease?

One-stage transanal pull-through (TAP) has become a standard definitive procedure for the treatment of Hirschsprung's disease (HD). Short-term results of this operation seem to be excellent, but long-term outcome is still obscure. We evaluated the morbidity and mortality of our patients with one-stage TAP, and we reviewed the literature. We performed a TAP without a colostomy in 21 patients with HD. The primary outcome measures are age, sex, complications during surgery, enterocolitis (EC) attacks after surgery, postoperative stooling problems and mortality. All patients were called over telephone, and their clinical and functional outcomes were obtained. Case series of TAP in the literature were also reviewed in terms of postoperative problems. Twenty-one patients with full thickness rectal biopsy-proven HD underwent one-stage TAP. Average follow-up was 28 months. One early postoperative EC and three more late attacks of EC were observed. All survived patients had normal bowel habits. Three patients had perianal excoriations, three patients soiling, seven cases required anal dilatations and four patients experienced a diarrhea after surgery. We have been informed that four patients died after discharge from hospital. Two of them were a sudden death (one patient had metabolic problems, the other might have had an EC attack). The cause of death of one patient with an associated Down syndrome was a severe pneumonia, and one other case died of a septic shock of unknown etiology. None of these patients had a diarrhea or abdominal distention, which could have been an evidence of an EC attack prior to their deaths. We observed similar fatal cases, when reviewed the published series in the literature. There might be a hidden mortality within the long-term period after TAP for HD. Therefore, we recommend a close follow-up for all patients with any associated health problem and those from low socioeconomic regions after one-stage pull-through.

An approach to minimize postoperative enterocolitis in Hirschsprung's disease

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Enterocolitis (EC) is a common and severe complication after pull-through for Hirschsprung's disease; its pathogenesis remains unclear, but the role of coexistent intestinal neuronal dysplasia (IND) in the proximal colon may be relevant. This study evaluated the relationship between postoperative EC and IND and assessed whether a surgical protocol including resection of coexistent IND could prevent postoperative EC.

METHODS

Between June 1993 and June 2002, 36 patients with aganglionosis were submitted to definitive surgical treatment. There were 2 sequential sets of patients: group I (n = 17), in whom the resection was confined to the aganglionic colon, and group II (n = 19), who were additionally submitted to resection of the coexistent IND segment; excision was restricted to the hepatic flexure in long segmental IND. The prevalence of postoperative EC and anorectal function were evaluated and compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

There was no mortality. Fifteen patients had isolated aganglionosis, and 21 presented with aganglionosis plus proximal IND. All 6 children who developed postoperative EC had coexistent IND. In group I, 9 patients had coexistent IND and 5 developed postoperative EC (5/17, 29%). In group II, 12 patients had coexistent IND but only 1 patient, with long segmental IND, developed postoperative EC (1/19, 5%). Among the patients with proximal IND, the prevalence of postoperative EC was 29%; but it was significantly lower in group II than in group I (1/12 or 8% vs 5/9 or 56%; P = .02). Anorectal function was excellent or good in more than 80% of the patients in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative EC was associated with retained proximal IND, suggesting that coexisting IND may be, at least, a predictive marker for this complication. Histochemical characterization of the proximal colon with no radical resection of the IND segment seems to be an effective and safe approach to minimize the prevalence of postoperative EC.

Prospective analysis of primary modified Georgeson's laparoscopy-assisted endorectal pull-through for Hirschsprung's disease: short- to mid-term results

The aim of this study was to analyze the short- to mid-term outcome of primary modified Georgeson's laparoscopy-assisted endorectal pull-through (PMGLEPT) for Hirschsprung's disease (HD). HD patients treated by PMGLEPT were evaluated prospectively by a single surgeon using a standard structured questionnaire to assess complications, incidence of enterocolitis, and evaluate continence (CE). CE involved scoring five parameters (frequency of motions, severity of staining/soiling, severity of perianal erosions, anal shape, and requirement for medications) on a 3-point scale (0, 1, and 2 for each parameter). Thus, scores for CE were: 10 = normal, 8-9 = good, 6-7 = fair, and 0-5 = poor. Our modifications include transanal rectal dissection starting below or on the dentate line, near total excision of the posterior rectal cuff, and intraoperative acetylcholinesterase staining to accurately identify normal colon. Patients with total colon aganglionosis or trisomy-21 were excluded, leaving 33 cases of PMGLEPT performed between 1997 and 2004. Mean operative age was 11.0 months. Follow-up ranged from 8 months to 7 years (mean 4.0 years). There were no intraoperative complications. Post-PMGLEP, bowel obstruction occurred in 1 subject who required middle colic division for pull-through (PT), and enterocolitis occurred in 3 (9.1%) of 33 patients. In 20 subjects aged over 3 years with a follow-up period of more than 12 months, final CE was normal in 5, good in 10, fair in 4, and poor in 1, despite staining/soiling being present in 12 (60%) of 20 subjects. None of the 33 had constipation. Our results suggest that PMGLEPT is safe with acceptable outcome in the short- to mid-term. However, careful long-term follow-up is mandatory as there appears to be a relatively high incidence of staining/soiling on short- to mid-term follow-up.

Experimental model for transanal endorectal pull-through surgery. Technique of De la Torre and Ortega

BACKGROUND

We describe an experimental model for transanal endorectal pull-through surgery using the method of de la Torre and Ortega that can be used for training purposes in experimental laboratories.

METHODS

Ten rabbits were submitted to the transanal endorectal pull-through technique of de la Torre and Ortega. Animals were randomly selected in the Botucatu School of Medicine experimental laboratory. Animals weighted between 2800 and 4400 g. Colons were not prepared, and antibiotic therapy was not used; dipyrone was administered postoperatively for analgesic purposes. We standardized resected segment size, recorded surgical time, and observed survival and possible complications for 1 month.

RESULTS

All animals survived the initial follow-up period without infection. Bowel movements returned quickly, and all animals were evacuating regularly within the first 24 hours. Mean surgical time was 48.6 minutes.

CONCLUSIONS

The experimental model proposed in this study is very useful for training and improving surgical techniques using the method of de la Torre and Ortega. The rabbit is an excellent animal for this surgery because of its size and postoperative resistance.

New insights into the pathogenesis of Hirschsprung's associated enterocolitis

The management of Hirschsprung's disease (HD) has made dramatic strides over the last 20 years. Research into the embryological development and migration of ganglion cell has enabled a greater understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease. Coupled with new techniques in surgery, such as laparoscopy-assisted pull-through and the transanal pull-through, this knowledge has led to improved outcomes for children with HD. However, although our appreciation of Hirschsprung's associated enterocolitis and its aetiology has increased, there are continued references in the literature to a multitude of theories of pathogenesis. The purpose of this review is to delineate the theories and demonstrate the evidence supporting or otherwise contradicting each other.

Transanal pull-through for Hirschsprung disease

Hirschsprung (HSCR) disease is a relatively common neonatal developmental disorder of the enteric nervous system and is characterized by the absence of ganglion cells in the myenteric and submucosal plexuses of the distal intestine. This results in absent peristalsis in the affected bowel, and the development of a functional intestinal obstruction. The pathogenesis and genetic basis of the disease is yet unclear. The surgical treatment of HSCR has evolved significantly since 1949 when Swenson first proposed a trans-abdominal pull-through procedure. The transanal pull-through consists of a rectal mucosectomy, resection of the aganglionic bowel and a colo-anal anastomosis. Recent literature and clinically controversies of this minimally invasive one-stage procedure are reviewed. Although follow up is still relatively short the preliminary results appear very favorable and cost effective.