Hirschsprung's Disease: A Review.

Constipation is a common symptom in infants and young children who are seen by primary care physicians. If a patient fails to respond to the appropriate medical therapy for constipation, then the physician should consider the possibility of Hirschsprung's disease, a congenital disease in which ganglion cells are absent from the distal gastrointestinal tract, and which results in a functional colonic obstruction. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of Hirschsprung's disease will result in a significantly improved quality of life for the patient, and may alleviate potentially life-threatening complications. This article describes a case of Hirschsprung's disease and reviews the most current literature on the topic. Clinical features that distinguish Hirschsprung's disease from other causes of constipation are emphasized.