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By Mayo Clinic staffMost children with Hirschsprung's disease go on to live a normal life. However, because the colon absorbs much of the water and salt the body needs and a child's colon is shortened during surgery, he or she may not get all the fluids needed. You may need to ensure your child drinks more fluid.
Hirschsprung's disease can lead to malnutrition and weight loss, especially in very young children. Some children may need tube feedings to get adequate nutrients. How long this is necessary varies with how severe the disease is, how old the child is when diagnosed and what types of complications, such as enterocolitis, have occurred.
- What I need to know about Hirschsprung's disease. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/hirschsprungs_ez/. Accessed Sept. 12, 2008.
- Hirschsprung's disease. American Academy of Pediatrics. http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/children/parents/special/birth/906.htm. Accessed Sept. 12, 2008.
- Wesson, DE. Congenital ananglionic megacolon (Hirschsprung disease). http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 12, 2008.
- Hirschsprung's disease. American Pediatric Surgical Association. http://www.eapsa.org/parents/resources/hirschsprungs.cfm. Accessed Sept. 12, 2008.
- Hirschsprung's disease. Family Practice Notebook. http://www.fpnotebook.com/GI/Neuro/HrschsprngsDs.htm. Accessed Sept. 12, 2008.
- Endom E. Emergency complications of Hirschsprung disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 12, 2008.
- Picco M [expert opinion]. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 17, 2008.
