Objective To explore the stooling patterns and sphincter function after transanal one-stage pull through operation for Hirschsprung's disease in children. Methods In this study, 73 children patients averagely aging at 24. 7 months underwent transanal one-stage pull through operation for common type Hirschsprung' s disease. Fifty-eight postoperative patients were followed up for an average of 15. 8 months. Stooling pattern was investigated with the informed questionnaire, according the result patients were divided into symptomatic and nonsymptomatic group. The rectoanal inhibitory reflex ( RIR) and vector manometry including the maximal anal pressure in resting and squeezing, the vector volume ( VV) and vector symmetric index ( VSI) were performed to explore the postoperative stooling patterns and sphincter function. Results Stooling patterns were fine in most patients, postoperative soiling was found in 9 cases, constipation in 5 and Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis in 3, there was no incontinence. The rectoanal inhibitory reflex recovered in 5 children. The vector manometry showed the maximal anal pressure of the constipated group in resting and squeezing were both higher than those of nonsymptomatic and control group (167?36vs. 157 ?47 vs. 152 ?33,P