Hirschsprung disease outcomes

Abstract

Hirschsprung disease (HD) is a complex surgical and medical problem that appears to have varied health and social outcomes with the age and neurodevelopmental state of patients. In general, long-term outcomes are thought to be good for the majority of patients despite recognized problems with constipation and/or fecal incontinence. However, there are no universally accepted pathways regarding post-operative bowel management programs nor clearly defined follow-up pathways making the current outcome measures difficult to interpret. Further, other factors that may influence outcome including age at the time of procedure and procedure type continue to lack consensus. Improved support of children in resource limited environments and during periods of transition into the adult medical care environment are needed to improve outcome. Recent proliferation of multidisciplinary care teams and consortia may help to better understand outcomes and address current knowledge gaps. Continuing these collaborations will be imperative to continuing improvements in care which may ultimately impact outcome.

Keywords: Enterocolitis; Hirschsprung disease; Outcome; Quality of life.