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Hirschsprung disease is a condition some babies are born with. In this disorder, a part of the large intestine does not have the nerve cells needed to move stool forward. Because of this, the baby may not be able to pass stool normally.
One of the earliest signs is when a newborn does not pass their first stool (meconium) within 48 hours after birth. Babies may also have constipation, a swollen tummy, vomiting, or feeding problems. Early diagnosis is very important to prevent serious complications.
At Kids Care International Hospital, our experienced pediatric surgeons use modern diagnostic tools and advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery to treat Hirschsprung disease safely. With timely treatment, most children recover well and go on to live healthy, active lives. Your child’s health and comfort are always our top priority.
Hirschsprung disease occurs when special nerve cells, called ganglion cells, are missing in a part of the baby’s colon. These nerve cells are important because they help the muscles in the intestines push stool forward, so it can move out of the body normally. When they are not there, the stool cannot move properly, which results in constipation or blockage.
Doctors are not always sure why this happens, but some factors can increase the risk:
These risk factors do not guarantee a child will have the condition, but they can increase the chances.
Hirschsprung disease often shows up right after birth. One of the earliest signs is when a baby does not pass their first stool (meconium) within 48 hours. Other signs can include:
Some children may not be diagnosed at birth. Symptoms can develop gradually and may include:
If Hirschsprung disease isn’t treated, it can cause a dangerous gut infection. That’s why spotting it early and doing surgery to remove the affected part of the intestine is important—this helps kids stay healthy and comfortable.
A pediatric surgeon in Rawalpindi or Islamabad can find out if a child has Hirschsprung disease by:
Sometimes, extra tests like regular abdominal X-rays, ultrasound, or heart checks may be done to make sure there aren’t other related problems.
Hirschsprung disease is treated with surgery, which is the only way to fix the problem. The most common operation is called the pull-through procedure, where the diseased part of the intestine is removed and the healthy section is connected to the anus. This clears the blockage and helps your child’s bowel work normally.
Depending on the child’s age and condition, the surgery can be done in one, two, or three stages. Nowadays, minimally invasive techniques, like laparoscopic surgery, are often used. Sometimes the procedure can even be done entirely through the anus, leaving no visible scars.
After surgery for Hirschsprung disease, most children slowly start having normal bowel movements. It’s important to have regular check-ups to watch their growth, nutrition, and bowel habits. With the right care, kids can go on to live healthy, active lives.
Parents should see a pediatric surgeon right away if their child has ongoing constipation, a bloated tummy, vomiting, or isn’t growing well. Getting help early makes recovery smoother and keeps your child healthier in the long run. If you notice any signs of Hirschsprung disease, contact the experienced pediatric surgeons at KidsCare International Hospital in Rawalpindi for guidance and treatment.
Hirschsprung disease happens when some nerve cells in the colon don’t develop properly. These nerves help the intestines push stool out. Without them, stool can’t move normally and gets stuck in the large intestine.
Yes. Hirschsprung disease is a condition your baby is born with. Most babies start showing symptoms within the first 6 weeks, and it can usually be noticed in the first 2 months after birth.
Newborns may not pass their first poop within two days, have a bloated tummy, vomit, feed poorly, or pass a lot of gas. Noticing these early and visiting a pediatric surgeon in Islamabad or Rawalpindi is very important.
Yes. The main sign is constipation, but your child may also have a bloated tummy, stomach problems, tiredness, poor appetite, slow growth, or malnutrition.
Yes. If not treated, it can make a child gain less weight, grow slowly, or even become malnourished. Surgery at hospitals like KidsCare International in Rawalpindi can help the child’s bowel work normally again, supporting healthy growth.
Yes, boys are more often affected than girls. Children with a family history or conditions like Down syndrome are at higher risk. Seeing a pediatric surgeon in Rawalpindi early is important for proper care.
Yes. The sick part of the colon is removed and the healthy part is reconnected. Modern methods like keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery help children recover faster with smaller scars. This is available at KidsCare International Hospital in Rawalpindi.
In this surgery, the part of the intestine that isn’t working properly is removed, and the healthy part is connected to the anus so your child can pass stool normally.
There isn’t a medicine that can cure Hirschsprung’s disease, but surgery usually fixes the problem. Most babies start feeling much better just a few days after the operation, and with proper care, they can go on to live healthy, normal lives.
At KidsCare, our pediatric surgeon, Dr.Muhammad Umar Nisar, performs the surgery using advanced laparoscopic techniques with great care. This ensures your child gets the best treatment, recovers well, and enjoys a healthy, comfortable life—all at an affordable cost.
