Diagnosis and treatment of congenital megacolon in children

The article was professionally consulted with Specialist Doctor II Tran Van Trong - Department of General Surgery - Vinmec International Hospital Da Nang.

Congenital megacolon, also known as Hirschsprung or congenital aplastic colon, can affect any child, both male and female. Congenital megacolon is in about 15% of diseases and birth defects requiring surgery in children. The characteristic feature of congenital megacolon is increasing difficulty in defecation even when defecation is soft. The disease will cause children to anorexia, slow growth, many cases encounter dangerous complications such as severe enteritis, intestinal obstruction, taking care of children with congenital megacolon at this time will be more difficult.
Currently, thanks to the development of medicine, this disease can be completely cured by surgery for congenital megacolon. However, before giving a treatment plan, the doctor will conduct a clinical examination and perform some tests to accurately diagnose the disease condition in the child.
After asking a few questions about the child's bowel movements, the doctor will recommend a number of tests including:
X-ray: To diagnose congenital megacolon in a child, there are X-ray techniques that use contrast material can be used. This technique will show the narrow bowel and the dilated bowel.

Technique for measuring muscle control around the rectum (less common). Take a sample of colon tissue for testing (sample biopsy, aspiration biopsy): This is the gold standard for diagnosis. In this way, it is possible to be certain whether the child has congenital megacolon. However, the doctor who takes the sample and read the results must have experience.

Depending on the condition and severity of each patient's disease, the doctor will have a specific treatment plan that is medical treatment or surgery. The timing of surgery will depend on many factors, sometimes surgery is needed at an early age.
Congenital megacolon surgery will remove: the entire segment of avascular stricture, the transitional segment (sparse lymph nodes) and part of the dilated segment (with poor function) and pull the normal colon through The colon is inside to connect with the anus.
When the technique is not yet developed, it may be necessary to undergo 3 surgeries (3 times), make a temporary anus on the abdomen (faeces will pass through this anus to come out for a while). Today, with the advancements in science and technology as well as equipment and machinery, the professional level is enhanced in combination with laparoscopic surgery, most patients only need 1 stage surgery. After surgery, about 90% of patients have normal bowel movements. However, in the beginning, the patient may have unstable bowel movements, fecal incontinence or constipation. Post-operative patients must be periodically examined as indicated by the surgeon (3 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year after surgery) to receive specific care instructions from the doctor to avoid complications. postoperative symptoms.
After finishing treatment, parents can take care of their children after surgery by giving them foods high in fiber (preferably the fiber of cucurbits, cassava, ... but avoid eating tubers). fiber, carrots), provide whole grains, vegetables and fruits for children, and at the same time encourage children to drink lots of water and practice daily bowel habits to effectively avoid constipation. In the case of children who do not eat fiber, they can give them less soluble fiber. However, consult your doctor before taking any medication.

As a key area of ​​Vinmec Health system, Pediatrics Department always brings satisfaction to customers and is highly appreciated by industry experts with:
Gathering a team of top doctors and nurses in Pediatrics : consists of leading experts with high professional qualifications (professors, associate professors, doctorates, masters), experienced, worked at major hospitals such as Bach Mai, 108.. Doctors All doctors are well-trained, professional, conscientious, knowledgeable about young psychology. In addition to domestic pediatric specialists, the Department of Pediatrics also has the participation of foreign experts (Japan, Singapore, Australia, USA) who are always pioneers in applying the latest and most effective treatment regimens. . Comprehensive services: In the field of Pediatrics, Vinmec provides a series of continuous medical examination and treatment services from Newborn to Pediatric and Vaccine,... according to international standards to help parents take care of their baby's health from birth to childhood. from birth to adulthood Specialized techniques: Vinmec has successfully deployed many specialized techniques to make the treatment of difficult diseases in Pediatrics more effective: neurosurgery - skull surgery, stem cell transplantation. blood in cancer treatment. Professional care: In addition to understanding children's psychology, Vinmec also pays special attention to the children's play space, helping them to have fun and get used to the hospital's environment, cooperate in treatment, improve the efficiency of medical treatment.