Management of Hirschsprung's disease. The definitive operation: which, when, why and how.

Analysing the results of 34 infants operated upon from 01.01.77 to 12.31.82, the authors advocate primary corrective surgery without colostomy in the first 3 months of life. Medical treatment is based on total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and enemas. Surgery using any of the three major techniques (Swenson, Soave and Duhamel) is performed after 1 month of oral feeding and maternal care. Results with a follow-up ranging up to 6 years showed excellent defaecation control and short duration of hospitalization.