Primary transanal Swenson pull-through operation for Hirschsprung's disease.

OBJECTIVE: The authors describe an experience with a newly developed technique for the treatment of Hirschsprung's disease (HD)-transanal Swenson pull-through operation (TSPT).
METHODS: The records of 27 children (15 males and 12 females) with HD proven on the basis of rectal biopsy or barium enema who underwent primary TSPT between November 2003 and April 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. Rectosigmoidectomy begins at the level just above dentate line in neonates and approximately 1-cm above dentate line in older children. The full-thickness dissection is performed upward around the rectum. The colon is transected above transition zone and anastomosed to the anus. All patients had postoperative pathologic proof. Data are expressed as mean and SD.
RESULTS: Mean age at operation was 29.4 +/- 48.2 months (range, 1-155 months). The operative time averaged 153.5 +/- 85.9 min (range, 65-400 min). There was a statistically significant difference between those younger than 1 month (107.1 +/- 14.8 months) and those greater than 1 month (190.7 +/- 101.1 months). None did receive blood transfusion. Average length of hospital stay was 9.1 +/- 4.1 days (range, 4-21 days). Peri- and postoperative complications included anastomotic stricture (n = 6), enterocolitis (n = 3), and urethral injury (n = 1). Fecal continence (stooling frequency rate of 1-2 times per day) was noted in 70.8% (17/24) and 77.8% (14/18) at 1- and 2-year follow-up, respectively. There was no mortality in the series.
CONCLUSIONS: Primary TSPT would be an alternative, safe technique in children with HD. The technique is not difficult, and associated with acceptable short-term outcomes. A long-term follow-up will be necessary to assess the real benefit of the technique.