[The extension of a physiologic hypoganglionic area in adults and its significance in the diagnosis of Hirschprung's disease].

The purpose of the investigation was to study the extension of a physiologic hypoganglionic area in the distal rectum in adults and to define its implication in diagnosing Hirschprung's disease. Thirty-five cadaver distal rectal portions were examined. The extension of a physiologic hypoganglionic area in adults ranged from 7.5 to 50.0 mm (24.4+/-10.9 mm). The authors could determine any element of the intramural nervous system to a level of 40 mm where there was a compact ganglionic deposit with nerve commissures, which is typical of the normal structure of an intermuscular nerve plexus. The extension of a physiologic hypoganglionic area was as large as 40.0 mm in 4 of the 35 cases and 50.0 mm in 1 case. By taking into account these data, it is expedient to use the modified O. Swenson transanal biopsy.