Hirschsprung's disease.

Hirschsprung's disease is one of the most common causes of intestinal obstruction in the neonatal period. In Hirschsprung's disease the aganglionic segment extends for a variable distance along the bowel, and there are three types: (i) short-segment, (ii) long-segment, (iii) total aganglionosis of the bowel. The long-segment group forms +/- 20% of the total group. In approximately 5%, however, the entire colon and even the small bowel may be involved; one such case is described together with its management, some of the problems encountered, and the operation of choice.