Hirschsprung’s Disease and Mimicking Conditions

Abstract

The pathophysiology and aetiology of Hirschsprung’s disease are still uncertain. The presentation varies with age. Various methods are used to make the diagnosis. Differing views of management are held both for emergency and definitive surgery, e.g. emergency colostomy or not, a covering colostomy or not for the definitive surgery, the type of operation used. The problems of diagnosis and treating diseases which mimic Hirschsprung’s disease are highlighted.