Electrophysiological Activity of the Anorectum in Children Suspected of Hirschsprung Disease

Overview

Children with chronic constipation, suspected of having hirschsprungs disease, who are admitted for rectal biopsy will be included in the study. During the procedure, electrophysiological reading from the site chosen for biopsy will be done. Correlation between electrophysiological data and histopathology will be analyzed.

Hirschsprungs disease is found in 1:5000 newborns, the disease is caused by aganglionosis of the colon, leading to severe constipation and possible bowel obstruction. The diagnosis is based on leveling biopsies taken from the rectum and colon. Treatment is supportive if complications had arisen, and surgical for definitive correction of the pathophysiological condition which is the cause of the disease. Currently, clinicians rely on histopathology, for diagnosing the disease, and planning surgical correction. The main goal of Surgical treatment will be the creation of a continuous patent and innervated bowel, in which effective propulsive peristalsis is taking place. This is achieved by resection of aganglionic colon, and anastomosis of normal colon with normal ganglia, to anus. Today surgeons await histopathology report for the diagnosis of Hirschsprungs disease, and frozen section biopsies taken when in surgery to ascertain the level of ganglionated bowel. In this study the investigators aim to correlate electrophysiological reading, from colon suspected of Hirschsprungs disease. If correlation is found, or a specific pattern which is diagnostic of the disease may be found, the electrophysiological study may offer a new way of diagnosing the disease, which is not invasive and allows prompt diagnosis in contrast to histopathology which is time consuming. A reliable electrophysiological study for Hirschsprungs disease may be helpful in early and correct diagnosis, with a noninvasive procedure as compared to a biopsy of the colonic wall. Children with chronic constipation, suspected of having hirschsprungs disease, who are admitted for rectal biopsy will be included in the study. During the procedure, electrophysiological reading from the site chosen for biopsy will be done. Correlation between electrophysiological data and histopathology will be analyzed. The actual reading will be carried out by a custom made electrode by GAELTEC DEVICES LTD : DUNVEGAN : ISLE OF SKYE : SCOTLAND.

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