The Duhamel/Martin operation in the treatment of Hirschsprung's disease.

Thirty-four patients with Hirschsprung's disease, 17 of whom were operated on by the original Duhamel procedure and 17 by the Martin modification are reported on. Thirty-two have had a satisfactory result. Fourteen patients developed early complications. One patient died. Twenty-two have been followed for more than five years. The Martin modification obviates the main disadvantage of the Duhamel operation. A proximal temporary diversionary colostomy or ileostomy greatly reduces the incidence of complications following the pull-through procedures.