Results of a mechanical Duhamel pull-through for the treatment of Hirschsprung's disease and intestinal neuronal dysplasia.

Background/purpose: The authors analyzed the results of a modified entirely mechanical Duhamel pull-through for the treatment of Hirschsprung' disease or type B intestinal neuronal dysplasia. The aim of the follow-up was to evaluate results of a Duhamel procedure entirely performed with the use of staplers.

Methods: Fifty-six patients were followed up to detect complications and outcome. Patients were evaluated clinically, and, when symptoms were present, a suction biopsy with histochemical analysis, an x-ray contrast enema, or an endoscopy was performed.

Results: Early complications developed in 4 cases (7%) including a case of leakage (1.8%). No patient experienced recurrence. During a mean follow-up of 49 months, further complications occurred in 16 other patients: 4 adhesive obstructions requiring surgery, 3 strictures, 5 chronic bleeding, 4 fecaloma formation, 2 urinary problems, and 13 postoperative enterocolitis. Four patients (7%) had more than 3 passages of liquid stools per day, and 3 of them who had an ileal pull-through had constant soiling. Thirty-seven children (68.5%) had 1 to 2 bowel movements per day and were continent. Seven (13%) had less than 3 bowel movements per week. Three children who underwent total colectomy were incontinent (5.5%). Three more children (5.5%) have not yet reached the age for continence. Forty-nine parents (87%) judged the outcome satisfactory.

Conclusions: Follow-up of mechanical Duhamel pull-through showed an acceptable long-term outcome. An increased risk of incontinence is present in case of ileal pull-through, whereas constipation is more frequent after partial colon resection, regardless of the type of intestinal neuronal malformation.