What is the prognosis for bowel and urinary control in my child?
With a proper evaluation, we can determine the future prognosis for bowel and urinary control, and we’ll communicate it to you. In our Center, we let parents know about the future prognosis as early as day one of life.
Does my child need another pull-through to improve the fecal incontinence?
There are well-defined indications for a reoperation in cases of Hirschsprung or Anorectal Malformation. Improving bowel control is not a common indication for reoperation since most patients do not improve. After a pull-through for Hirschsprung or anorectal malformation, patients suffering from fecal incontinence generally benefit from bowel management. In our Center, a thorough evaluation allows determining if a reoperation will offer better fecal control.
Does my child need a reoperation or another pull-through to improve constipation?
Usually, no. Most patients suffering from constipation after a pull-through for Hirschsprung or anorectal malformation will benefit from bowel management. In our Center, a comprehensive evaluation allows determining if a reoperation will offer a benefit with constipation.
Does my child with Hirschsprung need Botox to improve the fecal soiling?
Before an injection of Botox, it’s mandatory to rule out different problems related to fecal soiling in patients with Hirschsprung.
My child is four years old and suffers from constipation and fecal accidents. Do I need to increase the dosage of Polyethylene glycol (PEG)?
No. Patients with idiopathic constipation taking PEG and having fecal accidents require an all-inclusive evaluation to determine the type of laxative to stop the accidents and the use of diapers or pull-ups.
My child had a pull-through for Hirschsprung and continues with obstruction, no passing bowel movements. What can I do?
In the Colorectal Center, we use a detailed protocol to investigate the cause of postoperative obstruction causing colitis or constipation. Then, based on the results, we can offer different treatments to this common problem.
Does the Malone operation resolve the enterocolitis after a pull-through for Hirschsprung?
No. Often, it can produce more problems. The indication for this procedure is when the patient needs enemas. Patients with enterocolitis related to Hirschsprung do not need enemas. These patients need irrigations, which is a different procedure.