Hirschsprung's disease

Description

A condition that affects part of the large intestine called the colon and causes difficulty passing stool.

Overview

Hirschsprung disease involves missing nerve cells in the muscles of some or all of the part of the large intestine called the colon. Present at birth, it causes trouble passing stool.

Symptoms

The main symptom is a newborn's failure to pass stool within 48 hours after birth. Other symptoms include a swollen belly and vomiting.

Treatments

Surgery is needed to bypass the affected part of the colon or remove it entirely.