Redo pullthrough for Hirschsprung disease

Postoperative bowel function in children operated for Hirschsprung's disease in a low-income setting: Institution-based cross-sectional study

Hirschsprung's disease is a common cause of lower intestinal obstruction in newborns. It has variable postoperative outcomes affecting quality of life. The study was aimed at assessing postoperative bowel function in children with Hirschsprung's disease. It was conducted on 120 children operated for Hirschsprung's disease. A structured questionnaire for bowel function score was used and analyzed using relevant statistical tests. Of the 120 children in the study, 97 (80.8%) were male with 49 (40.8%) diagnosed during neonatal age and others by 2 years of age. Ninety-three (77.5%) of them had the classic type. Diversion colostomy was done in 104 (86.6%), and two-staged endorectal pullthrough was performed in 62 (72.5%) of cases with a 16% rate of retained aganglionosis. Postoperative continence was excellent in 46 (57%) and good in 26 (32%) with an incontinence rate of 11%. None of the outcome predictor showed significant influence. Optimal postoperative bowel function was obtained in the majority of patients with two-stage procedures, and the overall outcome of bowel function in children was not influenced by age, gender, level of aganglionosis, and type of procedure. Longer follow-up periods are required for definitive information.

Is Collaborative Care the Future of Medicine? Lessons Learned from the Care of Children with Colorectal Conditions

The treatment of patients with colorectal disorders requires care from a wide variety of medical and surgical specialties over the course of their lifetime. This is ideally handled by a collaborative center which facilitates the assessment and development of patient care among multiple specialties which can enhance the quality and implementation of treatment plans, improve communication among different specialties, decrease morbidity, and improve patient satisfaction and outcomes. This collaborative approach can serve as a model for other parts of medicine requiring a similar multi-disciplinary and integrated method of care delivery. We describe the process, as well as the lessons learned in developing such a program.

Redo pull-through for postoperative complications following pull-through in Hirschsprung disease: a single center experience

Purpose

Although surgical management of Hirschsprung disease (HD) is effective in most patients, some patients experience long-term postoperative complications, and require redo pull-through (PT). The present study evaluated clinical outcomes of redo PT in HD patients at a single center.

Methods

Patients with HD who underwent redo PT procedures between 2003 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Thirteen patients were included. Five (38.5%) had undergone initial PT surgery at our center and 8 (61.5%) at other centers. Redo PT procedures were transanal endorectal PT in 12 patients (92.3%) and the posterior sagittal approach in 1 patient (7.7%). Indications for redo PT included pathologic misdiagnosis in 8 patients (61.5%); stricture in 2 (15.4%); and rectal stenosis, obstructing Duhamel pouch and remnant septum in 1 each (7.7%). At a median follow-up of 68 months (range, 3-227 months) after redo PT, 8 patients (61.5%) had normal bowel function, 2 (15.4%) had incontinence, and 1 (7.7%) had constipation.

Conclusion

Redo PT procedures could be an effective approach for improving obstructive symptoms in HD patients with anatomic or pathologic reasons following primary PT. Careful selection of patients and discreet indications for redo PT are crucial.

Patient driven change: Is collaborative care the future of medicine? Lessons learned from the care of children with colorectal problems

A basic premise in the care of complex patients is that experience, increased volume of cases, and an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach yields improved outcomes. Is this true using the example of the care of children with colorectal and pelvic reconstructive needs? This review gives a brief historical context on how care for this patient group evolved, delineates the key elements to create a collaborative care model, and describes multiple advances that have been developed, based on the model, which have improved patient care and quality of life. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Review.

The Technique of Mobilization of the Colon for Pull-Through Procedure in Hirschsprung’s Disease

Background

In patients with Hirschsprung's disease (HD), persistent obstructive symptoms may develop after surgery. The causes of mechanical obstruction may be a retraction of the pulled-through bowel due to insufficient mobilization of the mesentery or impaired blood supply in the area of the coloanal anastomosis in the case of excessive ligation of the supplying vessels. Leakage and stenosis are formidable complications and require repeated surgical intervention.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to describe our experience and short-term results of the developed method: mobilization of the descending colon for its pull-through during the surgical treatment of the children with HD, which allows ensuring good mobility to the descending colon and maintaining blood supply at the same time.

Methods

The medical records of 20 patients with rectosigmoid HD, who underwent parietal mobilization of the descending colon with preservation of the marginal artery, sigmoid arteries, and ligation of the left colon artery, were reviewed. This method is aimed at increasing the mobility of the brought-down bowel and maintaining the blood supply to the distal part of the brought-down bowel not only from the superior mesenteric artery but also from the lower one.

The SPSS Statistics 26.0 package was used for statistical analysis. To describe the analyzed data with a normal distribution, the mean values and the error of the mean were used. To determine the differences, Student’s t-test was used, and the differences were considered significant at a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results

In all patients, the postoperative period was uneventful, without complications. The patients were discharged for outpatient treatment on average on the seventh day after the surgery. In all cases, there were no signs of anastomotic leakage or stricture on follow-up after 6–12 months.

Conclusion

The method of mobilization of the colon in the rectosigmoid form of HD, parietal mobilization of the descending part of the colon preserving the marginal artery, sigmoid arteries, and ligating the left colon artery, can reduce the risk of complications by eliminating the tension of the descending colon.

Laparoscopic-assisted Soave procedure for Hirschsprung disease: 10-year experience with 106 cases

Background

The purpose of this study was to summarize the clinical experience and 10 year follow-up results of laparoscopic assisted Soave procedure for the treatment of long-segment Hirschsprung disease (HD).

Methods

From January 2010 to February 2020, 106 children with long-segment HD participated in this study. The laparoscopic-assisted Soave procedure was performed for the treatment of long-segment HD. The follow-up time was two weeks, one month, and three months after the operation, and then every six months to one year.

Results

The operation was successful for all 106 children. All patients were discharged 5–7 days after the operation. The median time in surgery was 150 (100–190) minutes, and the median volume of bleeding was 6 (3–10) ml. The short-term postoperative daily defecation frequency was 4–11 times, 3–7 times within 6 months, and 2–3 times after 6–12 months. Postoperative complications included anastomotic leakage in two cases, perianal dermatitis in 13 cases, anastomotic stenosis in four cases, adhesive bowel obstruction in two cases, enterocolitis in 16 cases, soiling in 11 cases, and constipation recurrence in three cases.

Conclusions

The laparoscopic-assisted Soave procedure is a safe and effective surgical method for treating long-segment HD, and it causes little trauma or bleeding and has a fast postoperative recovery. Yet some complications may occur. Preoperative diagnosis, intraoperative and postoperative standardized processing can reduce the postoperative complications.

Surgical approach and functional outcome of redo pull-through for postoperative complications in Hirschsprung's disease

AIM

To review our surgical experience and outcome of redo pull-through for various postoperative complications of Hirschsprung's disease.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed on children who underwent redo pull-through from 2016 to 2019. Operative methods and functional outcomes were compared between those with anastomotic complications (stricture and fistula, n = 12) and patients without anastomotic complications (n = 24) such as residual aganglionosis/transition zone, twisted pull-through and tight soave cuff.

RESULT

36 Patients (29 male and 7 female) were included with median age 6 (0.1-54) months at primary and 36 (9-144) months at redo pull-through. A transanal rectal mucosectomy and partial internal anal sphincterectomy (TRM-PIAS) pull-through with laparoscopic (n = 10, 27.8%) or laparotomy (n = 26, 72.2%) assisted techniques were performed for all patients during redo procedure. Patients with anastomotic complications had lower incidence of successful laparoscopic pull-through (0%), higher postoperative complications (25%) after redo surgery, but similar functional outcomes compared to those without anastomotic complications (41.6% underwent laparoscopic surgery, 4.2% complications). Patients with partial colectomy had significantly less soiling (36.4%) and enterocolitis (0%) compared to those with subtotal/total colectomy (79.2% soiling and 58.3% enterocolitis).

CONCLUSION

TRM-PIAS with/without laparoscopic-assisted redo pull-through was effective in treating various complications after primary pull-through. The functional outcome is strongly associated with the length of residual colon after redo pull-though.

Intrasphincteric botulinum toxin injections for post-operative obstructive defecation problems in Hirschsprung disease: A retrospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Patients with Hirschsprung disease may have obstructive symptoms after resection of the aganglionic segment. Botulinum toxin (BT) injections can help improve faecal passage by relaxing the internal anal sphincter. This study assess effect of BT injections and aims to identify factors associated with receiving BT injections and favourable response to the first BT injection.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed in a cohort of consecutive patients treated for Hirschsprung disease in our centre between 2003 and 2017. The indication for BT injections was obstructive defecation problems that were non-responsive to high-dose laxatives or rectal irrigation, or an episode of Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC). Effectiveness of BT injections was measured in terms of clinical improvement. Relationships between factors associated with receiving BT injections and with response to the first BT injection were tested with group comparison and logistic regression.

RESULTS

Forty-one out of 131 patients received BT injections (31%) with a median of two injections (range 1-11). All patients had obstructive defecation problems non-responsive to high-dose laxatives or rectal irrigation, two patient also had an episode of HAEC. Twenty-five out of 41 patients (61%) had clinical improvement after first injection. In 29 of the 41 patients (71%) spontaneous defecation or treatment with laxatives only was achieved. Adverse effects were seen in 12 out of 41 patients (29%) after 14 injections (16%), and consisted of anal pain, temporary loss of stools and dermatitis. Patients who received BT injections more often had long segment disease, more often required laxatives or rectal irrigation and had longer length of hospital stay, both after corrective surgery and in follow-up. None of the tested factors was associated with clinical improvement after first BT injection.

CONCLUSION

Our findings show that BT injections effectively treat obstructive defecation problems in the majority of patients with Hirschsprung disease with mild adverse effects.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Redo Transanal Soave Pull Through with or without Assistance in Hirschsprung Disease: An Experience in 46 Patients

INTRODUCTION

 Transanal Soave pull through (PT) with or without assistance can be performed as a redo procedure for Hirschsprung disease (HD). In this study, we reviewed the indications and clinical outcomes of redo transanal Soave with or without assistance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 A retrospective analysis was performed on patients who underwent redo transanal Soave with or without assistance in our hospital from 2004 to 2016, and did not have rectourethral fistula or rectovaginal fistula. The Krickenbeck classification system was used to evaluate postoperative bowel function. We analyzed the associated factors of the two main indications.

RESULTS

 In this study, 46 patients were included, representing 5.6% of all HD PTs; 42 patients were initially operated elsewhere and 4 at our hospital. Primary PT surgeries included 38 transanal Soave, 2 Rehbein, 1 Martin, and 5 unknown procedures. The indications for redo PT were residual aganglionosis/transition zone PT (RA/TZPT) (27, 58.7%), anastomotic complication (14, 30.4%), and dilated distal segment (5, 10.9%). The median age of these 46 patients at primary and redo PT was 7.0 months (range, 0.4-137 months) and 45.5 months (range, 7-172 months), respectively. All 46 patients underwent redo transanal Soave PT; 43 patients (93.5%) underwent transanal Soave with laparotomy (n = 42) or laparoscopy (n = 1), and another 3 patients underwent transanal Soave PT. Six patients (13%) experienced complications within 30 days after redo surgery. A total of 43 patients were followed up, and the median follow-up period was 100 months (range, 35-180 months). Two patients could not hold back defecation in some inconvenient conditions. Sixteen patients (37.2%) had soiling, and 8 (18.6%) of 16 patients complained frequent soiling occurrence (more than 1/week). Only one patient complained of constipation (grade 1). Patients with anastomotic complication had more early postoperative complication and higher rate of soiling than patients with RA/TZPT, but there was no statistical difference (p = 0.672 and p = 0.105).

CONCLUSION

 Transanal Soave PT with or without assistance was effective in resolving different problems after initial PT, while soiling was the most common postoperative problem, especially patients with anastomotic complication.

New and exciting advances in pediatric colorectal and pelvic reconstructive surgery - 2021 update

Caring for children with colorectal and pelvic reconstructive needs is complex and requires a lifelong commitment from clinicians devoted to the field. There has been a myriad of advances that have improved care and it has become clear that an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach maximizes the goal of improving the quality of life of children afflicted with these conditions. The purpose of this review is to briefly discuss the history of this field and to describe the key advances that have improved patients' lives.

Minimally Invasive Redo Pull-Throughs in Hirschsprung Disease

Introduction: To reoperate a patient with Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) can be technically demanding and most surgeons would resort to conventional laparotomy. This article describes a series of patients with postoperative obstructive symptoms who underwent minimally invasive redo pull-throughs (MIRPT) (either laparoscopic or robotic) to assess the role of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in complicated HSCR patients. Patients and Methods: All consecutive HSCR patients with postoperative obstructive symptoms, who underwent MIRPT with fast track concepts of care between January 2012 and January 2020, have been included. Data regarding indications, surgical details, complications, and outcome have been compared to those of a series of patients who underwent conventional laparotomic redo. Results: Sixteen patients were included. Male to female ratio was 4.3:1. Median age at surgery was 78 months. Eleven patients underwent laparoscopic redo and 5 underwent robotic redo. Median length of follow-up was 49 months. Reasons for redoing were transition zone pull-through, residual aganglionosis, anastomotic retraction or leak, rectal diverticulum, and refractory anastomotic stricture. No major intraoperative complication occurred. No conversion to laparotomy was required. One patient experienced cuff stricture requiring laparoscopic release. Two patients reported bouts of enterocolitis postoperatively. Compared to classic laparotomic redo pull-throughs (49 patients with complete data), overall complications were significantly less frequent, accounting for 1 and 21 events, respectively (6% versus 43%) (P = .0067). Continence after a median of 21 months postoperatively scored excellent to good in 9 out of 12 patients, who were assessed on this regard (75%), without statistically significant differences. Conclusions: MIRPT proved to be effective and safe in HSCR patients complaining postoperative obstructive symptoms. Robotic surgery could play a crucial. Our study confirms that complicated HSCR cases can be safely managed by means of MIS, applying concepts of fast track care to serve the best for our patients.

Visualization of the human enteric nervous system by confocal laser endomicroscopy in Hirschsprung's disease: An alternative to intraoperative histopathological diagnosis?

BACKGROUND

Hirschsprung's disease is a congenital abnormality of the enteric nervous system (ENS) presenting severe constipation soon after birth due to the lack of ganglion cells in the distal gut. Surgery for Hirschsprung's disease requires an intraoperative histopathological diagnosis to assess the extent of aganglionosis. Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) is a novel endoscopic technique allowing real-time, in vivo analysis of cellular details during ongoing endoscopy. In this study, we evaluated the possibility of a new application of CLE to provide real-time observations of the ENS in patients with Hirschsprung's disease. In this preclinical feasibility study, we assessed the visualization of the ENS by CLE using surgically resected intestines.

METHODS

The subjects were nine patients who underwent pull-through surgery for Hirschsprung's disease between September 2014 and March 2016. The colon specimens were stained with 0.1% cresyl violet and evaluated using CLE. We compared the CLE findings with those of the histopathological examination.

KEY RESULTS

The ENS was clearly visualized as a ladder-like structure in the ganglionic segment but was not observed in the aganglionic segment. Of the 69 samples, corresponding positive and negative results for both CLE and the histopathology were obtained in 61 (88%). In addition, CLE was able to visualize unique, wavy structures comprising thick nerve bundles characteristic of the aganglionic/transition zone in Hirschsprung's disease.

CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES

As a novel tool for visualizing the human ENS, CLE has the potential to revolutionize how pediatric surgeons identify the level of ganglionosis during surgery for Hirschsprung's disease and may be a superior alternative to intraoperative histopathological diagnosis.

Postoperative Pullthrough Obstruction in Hirschsprung Disease: Etiologies and Diagnosis

Some patients continue to have obstructive symptoms and/or incontinence after pullthrough surgery for Hirschsprung disease. Incontinence can be due to injury to the anal sphincter and/or dentate line, abnormal colonic motility (nonretentive), or a chronic large stool burden (retentive). A diagnostic algorithm based on clinical and pathological evaluations can be applied to distinguish potential etiologies for obstructive symptoms, which segregate into anatomic (mechanical or histopathological) or physiologic subgroups. Valuable clinical information may be obtained by anorectal examination under anesthesia, radiographic studies, and anorectal or colonic manometry. In addition, histopathological review of a patient's original resection specimen(s) as well as postoperative biopsies of the neorectum usually are an important component of the diagnostic workup. Goals for the surgical pathologist are to exclude incomplete resection of the aganglionic segment or transition zone and to identify other neuromuscular pathology that might explain the patient's dysmotility. Diagnoses established from a combination of clinical and pathological data dramatically alter management strategies. In rare instances, reoperative pullthrough surgery is required, in which case the pathologist must be aware of histopathological features specific to redo pullthrough resection specimens.

Are We Underdiagnosing Hirschsprung Disease?

Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is conventionally defined as aganglionosis of the distal rectum and a variable length of proximal contiguous bowel with a transition zone of ganglionic, but neuroanatomically abnormal, bowel located immediately upstream. Recent improvement in our understanding of the pathology and genetics of HSCR and relevant animal models indicates highly variable expressivity. The spectrum of intestinal neuropathology includes patients with very short-segment aganglionosis, limited to the distal 1 to 2 cm of the rectum, and possibly patients with no true aganglionic segment, but nonphysiological transition zone pathology in their distal rectums. The presence or absence of submucosal ganglion cells in a rectal biopsy is not sufficient to exclude these patients, in whom submucosal nerve hypertrophy and/or abnormal cholinergic mucosal innervation may be the only diagnostic clues. In addition, diagnosis or exclusion of HSCR by rectal biopsy now relies in part on mucosal patterns of calretinin immunohistochemistry, with less emphasis on submucosal tissue adequacy and assessment of cholinergic innervation. These recent trends in the surgical pathology approach to rectal biopsies may miss patients at the phenotypically milder end of the malformation spectrum, with profound implications for subsequent management, prognosis, and genetic counseling.

Redo surgery with longitudinal resection for dilated bowel in Hirschsprung disease: an illustrative case series

PURPOSE

Patients with Hirschsprung disease (HD) can have persistent obstructive symptoms after resection of the aganglionic segment. If obstructive symptoms are treated inadequately, this may lead to recurrent faecal stasis and impaction, and may result in severe distension of the bowel. A permanently distended bowel which not responds to conservative treatment may be an indication for redo surgery. The aim of this study is to describe our experiences and the short-term results of a novel technique: longitudinal antimesenteric resection with a longitudinal anastomosis.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of our three patients who underwent longitudinal resection of severe distended bowel. This technique aims to improve defecation by improving faecal passage and is characterized by resection of the antimesenteric side of the distended intestinal segment, followed by plication with a longitudinal anastomosis. In this paper, this novel technique is described in detail, as well as short-term outcomes.

RESULTS

All patients had an uneventful recovery after longitudinal antimesenteric resection. During follow-up, the functional outcomes were excellent, with a large improvement of bowel function. All patients were continent for faeces, and treated with low-dose laxatives or occasional preventive irrigation in one patient. There were no more complaints of persistent constipation or soiling.

CONCLUSION

Longitudinal resection is a surgical redo-procedure offering large benefits for patients with Hirschsprung disease with distended bowel after primary surgery.

Feasibility and efficacy of home rectal irrigation in neonates and early infancy with Hirschsprung disease

PURPOSE

A single-stage pull-through (SSPT) is the most commonly performed procedure for Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) and has been shown to be better than multi-stage procedures. However, performing a SSPT in the neonatal period or early in infancy is a risk factor for an inaccurate diagnosis, post-operative enterocolitis, and a protracted post-operative recovery. The present study was primarily designed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of home rectal irrigation in the neonatal period and early in infancy, followed by a delayed and planned SSPT in a prospective cohort with HSCR.

METHODS

Between January 2014 and December 2016, a total of 147 neonates diagnosed with HSCR were enrolled in the study. Six patients were excluded as a result of ganglion cells found in second rectal biopsies after the neonatal period. One hundred twenty-two patients successfully underwent 2-4 months of home rectal irrigation during the neonatal period, followed by a SSPT procedure after the neonatal period (group A, n = 122). Nineteen patients were not candidates for home rectal irrigation, and thus, colostomies were performed during the neonatal period followed by multi-stage procedures after the neonatal period (group B, n = 19). One hundred twenty-two healthy children, age- and gender-matched to group A were enrolled as the healthy control group for assessment of nutrition status (group C, n = 122). The birth weight, gender ratio, aganglionic segment, age, and Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC) score at the time of HSCR diagnosis were measured to evaluate the feasibility of home rectal irrigation in neonates and early in infancy. The nutritional indices, including weight, body length, serum albumin, serum prealbumin, serum retinol-binding protein, and incidence of HAEC after 2-4 successful home rectal irrigation, were used to assess the efficacy of home rectal irrigation. Anastomotic strictures or leakage, perianal excoriation, frequency of defecation, and morbidity of post-operative HAEC were recorded to evaluate the beneficial effects to pull through (PT), which were facilitated by home rectal irrigation.

RESULTS

Higher HAEC scores and older age at the time of diagnosis of HSCR were associated with group B, compared to group A (4.34 ± 1.25 vs. 11.0 ± 2.56 [t = 18.20, p < 0.05] and 2.8 ± 1.46 days vs. 12.1 ± 5.3 days [t = 16.10, p < 0.05], respectively). The ratio of rectosigmoid HSCR to non-rectosigmoid HSCR was higher in group A than group B (104/18 vs. 4/15 [χ² = 34.29, p < 0.05]). There were no differences in birth weight, weight at the time of diagnosis of HSCR, and gender ratio between groups A and B. There were no differences in birth weight, birth length, post-home rectal irrigation age, post-home rectal irrigation weight, post-home rectal irrigation length, and post-home rectal irrigation serum albumin between groups A and C (3.47 ± 0.42 kg vs. 3.48 ± 0.40 kg [t = 0.10, p > 0.05], 50.02 ± 0.49 cm vs. 50.05 ± 0.46 cm [t = 0.61, p > 0.05], 98.59 ± 13.34 days vs. 97.83 ± 13.58 days [t = 0.44, p > 0.05], 6.77 ± 0.66 kg vs. 6.97 ± 0.87 kg [t = 1.95, p > 0.05], 61.55 ± 2.14 cm vs. 61.70 ± 2.07 cm [t = 0.59, p > 0.05], and 41.78 ± 2.42 g/L vs. 41.85 ± 2.37 g/L [t = 0.22, p > 0.05], respectively). The rate of HAEC in the period of home rectal irrigation in group A was low; however, the post-home rectal irrigation serum prealbumin level and retinol-binding protein were significantly lower in group A than group C (0.15 ± 0.04 g/L vs. 0.17 ± 0.05 g/L [t = 3.50, p < 0.05] and 22.51 ± 7.53 g/L vs. 30.57 ± 9.26 g/L [t = 7.46, p < 0.05], respectively). There were no anastomotic strictures or leakage after definitive PT performed in group A. The frequency of defecation ranged from 2-6 times per day, 10 patients had perianal excoriation 3 months after PT, and 11 patients had post-operative HAEC during 6 months of follow-up after PT.

CONCLUSION

Home rectal irrigation in neonates and early in infancy, followed by a delayed and planned SSPT is feasible and effective in patients with HSCR, and could be beneficial to definitive PT. However, for patients with an extended aganglionic segment, older age, or high HAEC score at the time of diagnosis of HSCR, rectal irrigation maybe not suitable.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This was a prospective comparative study designed to evaluate the effects of home rectal irrigation for facilitating and enhancing recovery after PT, and was registered at Clinical Trials.gov as NCT02776176.

Guidelines for synoptic reporting of surgery and pathology in Hirschsprung disease

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Synoptic, or standardized, reporting of surgery and pathology reports has been widely adopted in surgical oncology. Patients with Hirschsprung disease may experience morbidity related to surgical factors or underlying pathology and often undergo multiple operations. Our aim is to improve the postoperative outcome and care of patients with Hirschsprung disease by proposing a standardized set of data that should be included in every surgery and pathology report.

METHODS

Members of the American Pediatric Surgical Association Hirschsprung Disease Interest Group and experts in pediatric pathology of Hirschsprung disease participated in group discussions, performed literature review and arrived at expert consensus guidelines for surgery and pathology reporting.

RESULTS

The importance of accurate operative and pathologic reports and the implications of inadequate documentation in patients with Hirschsprung disease are discussed and guidelines for standardizing these reports are provided.

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence to the principles of reporting for operations and surgical pathology may improve outcomes for Hirschsprung disease patients and will facilitate identification of correlations among morphology, function, genetics and outcomes, which are required to improve the overall management of these patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

V.

Experience with the Redo Pull-Through for Hirschsprung's Disease

Aim:

This study aims to evaluate the need of Redo pull-through (Re PT) procedures for Hirschsprung's disease (HD) and suggest preventive strategies.

Materials and Methods:

Patients who underwent redo procedures for HD from 1980 to 2016 by a single surgeon were retrospectively reviewed.

Results:

Of 167 patients operated for HD, 32 underwent Re PT; 7 were previously operated by the same surgeon, while 25 were referred from outside. Indication for Re PT included residual disease including the rectal pouch following-Duhamel (12), false-negative biopsy (3), retraction of bowel (5), anorectal stricture (2), bowel twist (1), cuff inversion (2), postmyectomy continued symptoms after primary PT (1), fecal fistula (1), Re PT after surgery for adhesive intestinal obstruction (3), bleeding (1), and combination of causes, including scarred perineum (1). Age at follow-up ranged from 2.5 to 26 years. Proximal diversion was performed in 19 and 14 underwent open Scott Boley's/Soave PT and 5 ileoanal anastomosis. Of the remaining, nondiverted 13 patients, 5 underwent transanal endorectal PT and 8 underwent PT of colostomy.

Conclusions:

Most patients of Re PT came after an initial Duhamel's procedure. Retraction of bowel, inversion of cuff, twist, distal bowel stricture, and perianal fibrosis were found after Scott Boley procedure. Proper planning with an initial diversion, nutritional buildup, barium study evaluation, frozen section facility, experienced pathologist, and an expert surgeon are prerequisites for a successful outcome after an initial as well as Re PT.