Duhamel operation 40 years after: a multicentric study.

The authors present the results of an international retrospective study evaluating the present situation in using Duhamel's technique or its modifications in the treatment of Hirschsprung's disease on the basis a series of 2430 patients. After evaluation of all important criteria and discussion with data from the literature it is concluded that the techniques is simple, fast, less shocking, logical, reliable, respecting the rectal anatomy and physiology, ingenious in its principle, without serious complications. The rectum is preserved in place with all its vascular drainage and innervation. This technique can be performed by every sufficiently experienced surgeon.