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In this Article

• What is Hirschsprung's disease?
• What are the large intestine, colon, rectum, and anus?
• Why does Hirschsprung's disease cause constipation?
• What causes Hirschsprung's disease?
• What are the symptoms of Hirschsprung's disease?
• How is Hirschsprung's disease treated?
• What will my child's life be like after surgery?
• If I have more children, will they also have Hirschsprung's disease?
• Hirschsprung's Disease At A Glance
• Find a local Pediatric Surgeon in your town
• Hirschsprung Disease Index

If you have a child with Hirschsprung disease, your chance of having more children with Hirschsprung disease is greater. Talk with your doctor about the risk.

• Hirschsprung disease (HD) is a disease of the large intestine that causes severe constipation or intestinal obstruction. People with Hirschsprung disease are born with it.
• The large intestine, which includes the colon and rectum, is the last part of the digestive tract.
• The cause of Hirschsprung disease is unclear. Hirschsprung disease is not caused by anything a mother did while pregnant.
• The main symptoms of Hirschsprung disease are constipation or intestinal obstruction, usually appearing shortly after birth.
• Newborns with Hirschsprung disease almost always fail to have their first bowel movement within 48 hours after birth.
• Hirschsprung disease is diagnosed based on symptoms and test results.
• Hirschsprung disease is treated with surgery called a pull-through procedure.
• A child who has been very sick from Hirschsprung disease may need an ostomy to get better before the pull-through procedure.
• Most children pass stool normally after the pull-through procedure.
• People with Hirschsprung disease can suffer from an infection of the intestines, called enterocolitis, before or after surgery.
• If you have a child with Hirschsprung disease, your chance of having more children with Hirschsprung disease is greater.

SOURCE: National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). What I need to know about Hirschsprung Disease.