Management of Hirschsprung associated enterocolitis-How different are practice strategies? An international pediatric endosurgery group (IPEG) survey.

INTRODUCTION

Hirschsprung's-associated enterocolitis (HAEC) is a common post-operative problem for patients with Hirschsprung disease (HSCR). However, treatment strategies remain variable among providers, institutions, and even nations. The purpose of this study was to identify differences in treatment patterns for HAEC.

METHODS

A questionnaire was distributed to members of the International Pediatric Endoscopic Group (IPEG) community that focused on HSCR and HAEC management strategies. Questionnaire responses were collected via the Research Electronic Data Capture (RedCap).

RESULTS

178 responses were obtained: 30% from North America, 20% South America, 20% Europe, 26% Asia, and 4% from Australia. 37% had a dedicated pediatric colorectal center. After diagnosis, 53% send patients home with irrigations, while 29% perform a primary PT before discharge; the type of PT varied between Soave (50%), Swenson (25%) and Duhamel (13%). Only 29 respondents (17%) stated their institution had guidelines for HAEC management; however, inpatient treatments were fairly consistent: 95% performed rectal irrigations, 93% obtained an abdominal radiograph, and 72% held feeds; 55% taught families irrigations before discharge. Utilization of Botulinum (BT) injections was mixed: 36% never utilized BT injections, 33% only used BT if irrigations were not tolerated, and 16% only injected BT for recurrent episodes. Preventative HAEC measures were also varied and included anal dilations (44%), prophylactic antibiotics (34%), probiotics (29%), and routine home irrigations (22%).

CONCLUSION

There is wide variation of care in managing enterocolitis episodes in patients with Hirschsprung disease. Further research leading to consensus guidelines and standardization practices can help improve the care for these patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

V TYPE OF STUDY: Treatment study/ survey.