Total colonic aganglionosis preservation and utilization of entire colon.

Thirteen patients with total colonic aganglionosis are reported. Nine were treated with an operation to preserve and utilize the descending colon. Because of the encouraging results with this group, the operation for the four most recent infants consisted of a side-to-side anastomosis of the entire aganglionic colon to the ganglionated small bowel. The operation provides a greater surface area for absorption and also a greater area for fecal storage. All patients are continent and the ability to evacuate does not appear to have been affected.