Hirschsprung's disease (HD) is one of the most common congenital conditions, with a global incidence of 1/5000 newborns; the prevalence in the Vietnamese population is even higher. The absence of enteric ganglia in the distal bowel causes intestinal obstruction and delayed meconium passage in newborns, as well as failure of normal defecation later in life. If left untreated, HD can lead to life complications such as enterocolitis and even death. Standard treatment involves surgical resection of the affected bowel segment, with minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques offering reduced postoperative complications, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery compared to open surgery. Since 2012, the National Children Hospital has been the first institution in Vietnam to routinely use the minimally invasive surgical approach for HD. However, due to a lack of research funding and patients' financial constraints to travel to post-operative treatment centers, there has yet to be a publication addressing the long-term outcomes and associated abnormalities of all patients treated with SILS. Thus, the purpose of this study is to report on the safety, efficacy, and long-term functional outcomes and cosmesis results of minimally invasive surgeries performed on HD neonatal patients at The National Children's Hospital from 2020 to 2021, thus optimize surgical management and improve patient outcomes in a lower-middle-income country setting.
Hirschsprung's disease (HD) is one of the most common congenital disorders affecting the gastrointestinal tract, with a global incidence of approximately 1 in 5,000 live births. However, studies suggest that the prevalence is notably higher in the Vietnamese population. The condition arises due to the absence of enteric ganglion cells in the distal colon, leading to a functional obstruction that prevents normal bowel motility. This defect results in delayed meconium passage in newborns, severe constipation, abdominal distension, and feeding intolerance. If left untreated, HD can progress to life-threatening complications such as Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC), bowel perforation, sepsis, and even death. Surgical intervention remains the mainstay of treatment for HD, with the goal of resecting the aganglionic bowel segment and restoring normal intestinal function. Traditionally, open pull-through procedures were the standard approach, but advancements in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) have led to the widespread adoption of laparoscopic techniques. Georgeson's traditional three-port laparoscopic rectal pull-through technique, first introduced in 1995, has been widely used as the standard treatment for HD. The first case of single-incision laparoscopic assisted rectal pull-through (SILS) surgery for HD was published in 2010, in which six patients who underwent SILS all had positive outcomes and excellent cosmesis. Compared to conventional open surgery, laparoscopic approaches offer several benefits, including reduced postoperative pain, fewer wound-related complications, shorter hospital stays, improved cosmetic outcomes, and faster overall recovery. Despite the promising outcomes of minimally invasive surgical intervention, 15 years after the first reported case, only a few articles (a total of 9 articles reported in Pubmed) have been published to evaluate SILS in HD. Since 2012, the Vietnam National Children's Hospital (NCH) has been a pioneer in the routine use of the minimally invasive surgical technique for the treatment of Hirschsprung's disease in Vietnam. However, despite over a decade of experience with this method, research on long-term outcomes in Vietnamese patients remains scarce. A major challenge has been the limited availability of research funding and the financial difficulties faced by many families, which prevent regular postoperative follow-ups and comprehensive long-term studies. As a result, there is currently no published data evaluating the long-term safety, efficacy, and potential postoperative complications associated with minimally invasive intervention for HD in this specific patient population. The primary objective of this study is to bridge this knowledge gap by systematically analyzing the outcomes of pediatric patients who underwent minimally invasive surgical intervention for Hirschsprung's disease at NCH between 2020 and 2021. The study aims to assess key factors such as perioperative outcomes, postoperative bowel function, the incidence of complications such as anastomotic stricture or incontinence, associated abnormalities/ comorbidities, cosmesis, and quality of life improvements. By providing robust clinical evidence, this research will contribute to optimizing surgical management strategies for Hirschsprung's disease in resource-limited settings, ultimately improving patient outcomes and guiding future surgical practices in Vietnam and other LMICs.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
23
Conventional laparoscopic pull-through (CLP) surgery utilizes 3-5 small abdominal incisions for the placement of trocars, allowing the insertion of a laparoscopic camera and surgical instruments. After establishing pneumoperitoneum, the aganglionic segment is identified, and the colon is mobilized by dividing the lateral attachments using laparoscopic energy devices. The rectal dissection is performed circumferentially down to the level of the pelvic floor while preserving the mesenteric blood supply. A transanal approach is then used to complete the dissection, pull the mobilized bowel through the anus, and resect the aganglionic segment. A coloanal anastomosis is created, typically with absorbable sutures. Single-incision laparoscopic pull-through (SILS) follows the same principles but is performed through a single umbilical incision using a multi-port device; instruments and a camera are inserted through the same access point.
Department of Surgery, The National Children Hospital
Hanoi, Vietnam
Volume of Blood Loss
The amount of blood lost during surgery will be measured in milliliters (mL) by collecting blood from suction devices, counting soaked surgical sponges, and assessing any other visible loss
Time frame: Perioperative
Conversion to open surgery
The proportion of cases in which single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) could not be optimally completed and required conversion to open surgical techniques. Conversion may be necessitated by factors such as poor visualization, uncontrolled bleeding, adhesions, or patient-specific anatomical challenges. The outcome will be measured as the percentage of procedures requiring conversion during the perioperative period.
Time frame: Perioperative
Operative time
Total duration of the surgical procedure from skin incision to closure, measured in minutes.
Time frame: Perioperative
Mortality and severe morbidity
The incidence of mortality and severe postoperative complications following single-incision laparoscopic pull-through surgery. Severe morbidity includes life-threatening conditions such as sepsis, multi-organ failure, other major complications requiring intensive medical intervention, and death. This outcome will be assessed throughout the study period.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 4 years
Early postoperative complications
The incidence of early postoperative complications, including but not limited to bowel obstruction, surgical site infections, and Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC). Additional complications such as anastomotic leakage, prolonged ileus, or unexpected reoperation will also be monitored.
Time frame: Up to 8 weeks post-operation
Rintala score
The Rintala Score assesses postoperative bowel function in pediatric Hirschsprung disease (HD) patients, ranging from 0 to 20. It evaluates stool frequency, incontinence, constipation, and social continence. Scores of 18-20 indicate excellent function with normal bowel habits and no incontinence. Scores of 10-17 suggest moderate function, with occasional issues like constipation or minor incontinence. Scores below 10 reflect poor function, often requiring medical or surgical intervention.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 4 years
Manchester Scar Scale
The Manchester Scar Scale (MSS) evaluates the aesthetic and physical characteristics of scars, scoring from 4 to 28. It assesses scar color, contour, texture, distortion, and patient discomfort. Lower scores (4-8) indicate minimal scarring with good cosmetic outcomes. Moderate scores (9-18) suggest noticeable but acceptable scars with some textural or color irregularities. Higher scores (19-28) reflect severe scarring, often associated with significant discoloration, contour defects, or functional impairment.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 4 years
Associated conditions
Incidence of any medical or surgical conditions identified before or after laparoscopic pull-through surgery, assessed through clinical evaluation, imaging, and diagnostic testing.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 4 years
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