Adult megacolon is a rare disease with heterogeneneous etiology. The treatment schemes of megacolon caused by different causes are also different, but surgery is the final and the most effective method. Due to the lack of early understanding of the disease, many patients have not been clearly diagnosed as adult megacolon and have not been properly treated. This article classifies adult megacolon according to the etiology and summarizes its surgical options. For adult Hirschsprung's disease, modified Duhamel, the Jinling procedure, low anterior resection, or pull-through low anterior resection can be used. For patients with idiopathic megacolon, one-stage subtotal colorectal resection can be selected with adequate preoperative preparations. Some patients admitted to the hospital with emergency intestinal obstruction can be treated with conservative treatment or decompression under colonoscopy followed by selective surgery. For patients with aganglionosis, the procedure is subtotal colorectal resection, the same as that of idiopathic megacolon. The procedure is to remove both the dilated proximal intestine and the stenotic distal intestine, then an ileorectal anastomosis or ascending colon rectal anastomosis is performed. For toxic megacolon, colostomy can be done for mild cases, and for severe infections, subtotal colorectal resection is required. Latrogenic megacolon is mostly caused by segmental stenosis or lack of peristalsis, resulting in chronic dilatation of the proximal end and the formation of megacolon. It is necessary to choose a reasonable surgical procedure according to the specific conditions of the patient. The first choice for the treatment of acute colonic pseudo-obstruction syndrome is decompression under colonoscopy. For those with the secondary changes in the intestine, ostomy is still the most effective surgical procedure, but should be performed with caution.
Anastomosis, Surgical ; Colostomy ; Hirschsprung Disease/surgery* ; Humans ; Megacolon/surgery* ; Rectum/surgery*

OBJECTIVETo investigate the operation timing of newborns with rectosigmoid Hirschsprung's disease (HD).

METHODSFrom March 2013 to September 2015, 35 newborns diagnosed as rectosigmoid HD in our department were prospectively and randomly divided into 2 groups: less than 3 months treatment group (18 cases) and more than 3 months treatment group (17 cases, conservative treatment for 3 months). They all underwent laparoscopic-assisted transanal endorectal pull-through (LATEP) (modified Soave) procedure. Clinical data, perioperative conditions, postoperative complication, postoperative anal function evaluated by Wingspread score and barium enema were compared between two groups.

RESULTSThe baseline data of two groups were comparable (all P>0.05). All the cases completed single-stage LATEP procedure successfully without conversion to open operation. Compared with more than 3 months treatment group, preoperative bowel preparation time and operation time were significantly shorter [(6.2±3.3) vs. (9.3±4.1) days, P=0.042; (95±15) vs.(121±23) minutes, P=0.029, respectively], intra-operative blood loss was significantly less [(13±3) ml vs. (22±5) ml, P=0.036], length of resected bowel was significantly shorter [(16±5) cm vs.(23±8) cm, P=0.033], and bowel movement recovery time, parenteral nutrition time, hospital stay were also significantly shorter [(2.3±0.5) vs. (2.9±0.6) days, P=0.046; (5.1±2.1) vs. (5.9±2.3) days, P=0.048; (12.9±3.3) vs. (15.8±4.3) days, P=0.049, respectively] in less than 3 months treatment group. No short-term complications, such as anastomotic leak, interlayer infection and abdominal infection occurred in both groups. The follow-up period ranged from 2 months to 24 months. Only the incidence of perianal excoriation was significantly higher in less than 3 months treatment group compared with more than 3 months treatment group [50.0%(9/18) vs. 23.5%(4/17), P=0.045]. Wingspread score results at 6 and 12 months after operation showed excellent rate of postoperative anal function, which was not significantly different between two groups[ <3 months group : 81.3%(13/16) and 92.9%(13/14); >3 months group: 85.7%(12/14) and 92.3%(12/13), all P>0.05]. Postoperative barium enema results at 6 and 12 months after operation all showed normal shape of colon without residue of barium.

CONCLUSIONSFor newborns with rectosigmoid HD, single-stage definitive operation performed at the age less than 3 months has the advantages of shorter preoperative preparation time, less operating injury, shorter resected bowel, and faster postoperative recovery as compared to the age more than 3 months. If rectosigmoid HD is definitively diagnosed, early operation is suggested to perform at the age less than 3 months.

Anastomotic Leak ; Barium Enema ; Blood Loss, Surgical ; Defecation ; Digestive System Surgical Procedures ; Female ; Hirschsprung Disease ; surgery ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Intraabdominal Infections ; Laparoscopy ; Length of Stay ; Male ; Operative Time ; Parenteral Nutrition ; Parenteral Nutrition, Total ; Postoperative Complications ; Postoperative Period ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo investigate the safety, efficacy and long-term outcomes of Jinling procedure in the treatment of adult Hirschsprung disease.

METHODSClinical and follow-up data of 125 patients with adult Hirschsprung disease undergoing Jinling procedure at the Department of General Surgery between January 2000 and January 2013 were summarized. All the patients were diagnosed by CT, barium enema, anorectal pressure detection and pathology examination. Abdominal symptoms, gastrointestinal quality of life index(GIQLI, the lower score, the worse quality of life), Wexner constipation score (higher score indicated worse symptom), defecography (evaluation included rectocele, mucosal prolapse, intramucosal intussusception, perineal prolapse) and other operative complications were compared before and after operation.

RESULTSAmong 125 patients, 69 were male and 56 were female with median age of (41.2±15.5) (18 to 75) years. The follow-up rates were 94.4%(118/125), 92.0%(115/125), 89.6%(112/125) and 88.0%(110/125) at postoperative months 1, 3, 6, and 12. Incidences of abdominal distension and abdominal pain were 100% and 82.4%(103/125) before operation, and were 7.3%(8/110) and 20.9%(23/110) at 12 months after surgery. Wexner score was significantly lower at postoperative months 1(8.7±2.9), 3 (7.2±2.8), 6(6.7±2.2) and 12(6.3±1.7) than that before operation (21.4±7.2) (P<0.01). GIQLI score was 51.6±11.9 before operation, though it decreased at 1 month (47.3±5.5)(P<0.05) after surgery, but increased significantly at postoperative months 3, 6, 12(68.9±8.0, 96.5±8.2, 103.2±8.6)(P<0.01). Abnormal rate of defecography was 70.4%(81/115), 48.2%(54/112) and 27.3%(30/110) at postoperative months 3, 6, 12, which was significantly lower than 91.2%(114/125) before operation (P<0.01). Morbidity of postoperative complication was 29.6%(37/125), including 5 cases of surgical site infection (4.0%), 2 of anastomotic bleeding (1.6%), 8 of anastomotic leakage (6.4%, one died of severe abdominal infection), 4 of urinary retention (3.2%), 3 of recurrent constipation (2.4%, without megacolon relapse), 11 of bowel obstruction (8.8%), 2 of anastomotic stricture(1.6%) and 2 of refractory staphylococcus aureus enteritis (1.6%, diagnosed by stool smear and culture, and both died finally).

CONCLUSIONJinling procedure is a safe and effective surgical procedure for adult Hirschsprung's disease.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Anastomosis, Surgical ; Colectomy ; Constipation ; Defecography ; Digestive System Surgical Procedures ; Female ; Hirschsprung Disease ; surgery ; Humans ; Intestinal Obstruction ; Intussusception ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Perineum ; Postoperative Complications ; Postoperative Period ; Quality of Life ; Rectocele ; Staphylococcus aureus ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the safety and efficacy of fast track surgery (FTS) combined with laparoscopy in the treatment of infant Hirschsprung disease.

METHODSClinical data of 72 infants with Hirschsprung disease undergoing elective pull-through surgery from June 2010 to June 2013 were retrospectively summarized. The patients were divided into two groups: fast track surgery combined with laparoscopy group (FTS group, n=33) and laparoscopic surgery with traditional management perioperatively (control group, n=39). Postoperative intestinal function recovery, hospital stay, cost of hospitalization, complications were compared and postoperative recovery was followed-up for four weeks.

RESULTSThere were no significant differences in intraoperative blood loss and operative time between FTS and control group (both P>0.05). The recovery of bowel movement was earlier in the FTS group but the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.078). The hospital stay was shorter [(10 ± 2) d vs. (14 ± 4) d] and cost of hospitalization was lower [(15 316 ± 2273) Yuan vs. (18 641 ± 3082) Yuan] in FTS group than those in control group(P<0.01). Postoperative complications and recovery conditions during 4 weeks follow-up were similar between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONFast track surgery combined with laparoscopy in the treatment of infant Hirschsprung disease is safe and effective.

Female ; Hirschsprung Disease ; surgery ; Humans ; Infant ; Laparoscopy ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of partial internal sphincter myomectomy on transanal one-stage pull-through operation for Hirschsprung disease (HD).

METHODSA prospective group of 153 pediatric patients with HD in Guangdong Dongguan People's Hospital between 2003-2012 were enrolled, who underwent transanal one-stage pull-through operation. Children were divided into partial resection group (77 cases) undergoing partial internal sphincter myomectomy and simple incision group (76 cases) undergoing simply internal sphincter dissection, respectively. Differences of postoperative complications and continence between two groups were compared.

RESULTSPostoperative complications such as rectal muscularis infection [1.3% (1/77) vs. 11.8% (9/76), P<0.05], enterocolitis [2.6% (2/77) vs. 13.2% (10/76), P<0.05], anastomosis stenosis[3.9% (3/77) vs. 22.4% (17/76), P<0.01] and abdominal distension [10.4% (8/77) vs. 25.0% (19/76), P<0.05] were lower in partial resection group as compared to simple incision group. The time of antibiotics administration was also lower in partial resection group [(3.9±1.1) d vs. (4.6±1.1) d, P<0.01]. Difference in the continence between the two groups was not statistically significant (kelly score, 5.1±0.5 vs. 5.2±0.6, P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONSCompared with simply internal sphincter dissection in operation, partial internal sphincter myomectomy with transanal one-stage pull-through operation for HD can reduce the postoperative complications and does not increase the damage of the continence.

Adolescent ; Anal Canal ; surgery ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Hirschsprung Disease ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Postoperative Complications ; Prospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy, safety, and defecation after one-stage transanal endorectal pull-through(TOSEPT) for Hirschsprung disease.

METHODSClinical data of 56 patients with Hirschsprung disease undergoing TOSEPT in the Third Hospital of Guangzhou Medical College between 2005 and 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. According to age at operation, the patients were divided into newborn group(n=21, surgery performed within 1 month after birth) and non-newborn group(n=35). Recovery period was defined as the period required for normal defecation pattern after operation. Intraoperative and postoperative parameters were compared.

RESULTSThe mean operative time was(121.5±39.2) minutes. The mean length of bowel resection was(17.6±4.2) cm. The mean intraoperative blood loss was(34.6±5.2) ml. The mean postoperative hospital stay was(7.2±3.6) days. Postoperative complication occurred in 6 patients(4 had enteritis and 2 had recurrent constipation) in whom 1 were considered as failure of TOSEPT because of redo-surgery or persistent problems in defecation. The remaining 53 patients had normal defecation pattern after(9.2±5.8) weeks of postoperative recovery period. Neonatal cases had significantly shorter operative time and postoperative hospital stay, and longer postoperative recovery period than non-neonatal cases(P<0.05). There were no significant differences in intraoperative blood loss and postoperative complication rate between the two groups(P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONSTOSEPT is effective and safe in the management of patients with Hirschsprung disease. However, a postoperative recovery period is required for a normal defecation pattern. Although neonatal cases have significantly shorter operative time and postoperative hospital stay than non-neonatal cases, but longer postoperative recovery period should be consider when evaluating the outcome of TOSEPT.

Anal Canal ; surgery ; Child, Preschool ; Defecation ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hirschsprung Disease ; surgery ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Postoperative Period ; Rectum ; surgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo examine the long-term outcomes of total colonic aganglionosis (TCA) and to evaluate their nutritional status.

METHODSEleven pediatric patients treated for TCA between January 1999 and December 2010 were included in the study and followed up. Physical measurements including height, weight and laboratory tests were assessed. Anorectal functions were evaluated with Kelly score and quality of life(QOL) using questionnaire.

RESULTSThe length of follow-up ranged from 8 to 147 months. The children had satisfactory anorectal function (Kelly score, 5-6). One child had a Kelly score of 3. The children who were followed up less than 48 months had significant higher Kelly scores compared with those with more than 48 months follow-up(P<0.05). QOL was good in nine patients (QOL score, 9-10) and moderate (score, 7-8) in 2 patients. Weight-for-age was normal in 2 patients, mild malnutrition in 6 patients, and moderate malnutrition in 3 patients. Height-for-age was normal in 6 patients, mild malnutrition in 3 patients, and moderate malnutrition in 2 patients. The serum albumin was(49.0±2.7) g/L in children with well-educated parents, significantly higher than those with poorly-educated parents(44.3±1.9) g/L(P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSLong-term outcomes of children with TCA are satisfactory with good anorectal function and quality of life. Low body weight is more common than low height. Children with well-educated parents have better nutrition status.

Follow-Up Studies ; Hirschsprung Disease ; surgery ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Nutritional Status ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo investigate the surgical outcomes after on transumbilical laparoscopic pull-through procedure for pediatric hypoganglionosis(HYP).

METHODSTwelve children with HYP had received transumbilical laparoscopic pull-through procedure from June 2009 to June 2010. Specially designed curved and elongated laparoscopic instruments were used during the procedures. All the patients were followed up over 10 months. Data were collected and analyzed. The diagnosis of hypoganglionsis was pathologically confirmed.

RESULTSNo conversions to laparotomy or traditional laparoscopic surgery were required and there were no damages to the abdominal blood vessels, intestine, ductus deferens, or ureters. The average duration of operation was 140 min. The mean intraoperative blood loss was 45 ml. The mean length of specimen was 40 cm. Postoperatively there were no complications such as anastomotic leak, anastomotic stricture, constipation, seepage, or fecal in continence. The average hospital stay after surgery was 9 days. During 10 to 22 months of follow-up(median 16 months), no postoperative recurrence was noticed. No obvious scar was seen 1 months after surgery.

CONCLUSIONIt is safe and effective for children with hypoganglionosis to undergo transumbilical laparoscopic pull-through procedure.

Anal Canal ; surgery ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Colon ; surgery ; Female ; Hirschsprung Disease ; surgery ; Humans ; Laparoscopy ; methods ; Male ; Treatment Outcome ; Umbilicus ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical value of laparoscopy-assisted modified Soave procedure for Hirschsprung disease in adults.

METHODSTwenty-eight patients with a preoperative diagnosis of Hirschsprung disease underwent laparoscopy-assisted modified Soave procedure between March 2005 and December 2009. Clinical data were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTSThere were no conversions to open surgery. The mean operative time was (165±12) minutes (range: 135-185 minutes). Estimated blood loss ranged from 50 to 250 ml, and no patients required intraoperative blood transfusion. Postoperative pathologic examination showed Hirschsprung diseases in 19 patients and Hirschsprung allied diseases in 9. Only two patients developed rectal cuff infection and three mild seepage. Other patients had no postoperative complications. The mean hospital stay was (17.5±1.0) days. No fecal incontinence or recurrent constipation occurred during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONLaparoscopy- assisted modified Soave procedure is safe and effective for Hirschsprung disease.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hirschsprung Disease ; surgery ; Humans ; Laparoscopy ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

BACKGROUNDThe one-stage pull-through procedures for Hirschsprung's disease (HD) have become popular because it is well accepted by surgeons and mothers with no visible scar and a short hospital stay. It represents the latest development in the concept of a minimally invasive surgery for HD. We introduce a new method of transanal one-stage pull-through for Hirschsprung's disease, different from the transanal Soave procedure.

METHODSOne hundred and thirty-four patients aged 9 days to 5 years underwent a transanal one-stage pull-through procedure. The diagnosis was definite by barium enema or rectal biopsies preoperatively. The patients were anesthetized and placed in the lithotomy position. A urinary catheter was optional. Giving anorectal dilatations for half a minute, a pull-through of the rectum above the peritoneal reflection and into the intussusception was performed. Fine silk suturing was performed circumferentially at the level of that point which was used for traction for the distal end. Another circumferential suture was performed parallel 0.5 cm distance above the original one and used for traction for the proximal intestines. The full-thickness rectal wall was truncated between the above two circumferential sutures with cautery. The proximal intestines were pulled down and the mesenteric vessels were dissected with ligation until normal intestines were accessed; the presence of ganglion cells was determined by intraoperative rapid frozen section. The distal end was dissected anteriorly 2.5- 3.5 cm above the dentate line. The posterior rectal wall was split longitudinally and dissected to a point 0.5- 1.0 cm above the dentate line. The segment of the lesion was resected. The length of bowel resected ranged from 12 to 50 cm (median 16.5 cm). An oblique anastomosis was made.

RESULTSThe mean operating time was 70 minutes. Postoperative rectal dilation was not required. The patient tolerated feeding on the first postoperative day. Eighty-eight patients were followed-up. All these patients had 2- 3 bowel movements per day at postoperative month 1. They were discharged within 4.5 days after the operation. Six patients presented with complications. All recovered by reoperation or conservative treatments.

CONCLUSIONThe modification of the transanal Swenson pull-through procedure for Hirschsprung's Disease is an easy adaptation to a well-established technique and has a reasonable result.

Anal Canal ; surgery ; Child, Preschool ; Digestive System Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Female ; Hirschsprung Disease ; surgery ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Treatment Outcome