Long-term growth outcomes in children with Hirschsprung disease after definitive surgery: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

The growth of children with Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) can be affected by many factors, including the environment, nutrient intake, and surgery. Our study compared the long-term ( at least 3 years of follow-up) growth outcomes in HSCR children after transabdominal Soave and Duhamel and transanal endorectal pull-through (TEPT) surgeries.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in children <18 years of age diagnosed histopathologically with HSCR who underwent pull-through between January 1, 2012-December 31, 2015 in our institution. The postoperative anthropometric data were obtained prospectively through interviews during the outpatient clinic appointment or by telephone.

RESULTS

We recruited 21 patients (Soave: 7 Duhamel: 4 TEPT: 10;  = 0.06). There were no significant differences between the three surgical methods in terms of preoperative and postoperative nutritional status categories ( = 0.52). Concerning the changes in nutritional status, after Soave surgery, it was improved, steady, and worsened in 28.6%, 57.1%, and 14.3% of the children, respectively. The nutritional status of the Duhamel group was worsened and steady in 25% and 75% of the children, respectively, while in the TEPT group, it was improved and steady in 40% and 60% of the children, respectively. However, these differences were not statistically significant ( = 0.42).

CONCLUSIONS

While some HSCR children show an improvement in their nutritional status after Soave and TEPT procedures, the overall nutritional status is similar among different procedures. Further multicenter studies with a larger sample size are important to clarify our findings.