Pull-Through Procedures for Hirschsprung's

Also known as: Swenson procedure, Hirschsprung disease treatment and management.

What are pull-through procedures for Hirschsprung's?

Hirschsprung's disease is genetic disorder in which newborns lack nerve cells in their intestines. As a result, they have trouble passing stools and become constipated. Pull-through procedures for Hirschsprung's are procedures used to treat Hirschsprung’s disease and remedy the problem.

What happens during the procedure?

The surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen in order to insert an endoscope into the body. The endoscope can either clear the blockage, or remove the portion of intestines without nerves. The healthy portions of intestines are then reconnected in order to allow stool to pass through.

Is any special preparation needed?

The patient will need to avoid food, drink and certain medications prior to the procedure.

What are the risk factors?

Bleeding, infection, blockage of the bowel, constipation, incontinence and a failure of the procedure to fix the problem are all potential risks of pull-through procedures for Hirschsprung's.

Reviewed by: Juan L Calisto, MD

This page was last updated on: November 11, 2020 03:35 PM