Single Stage Transanal Endorectal Pull-through Operation for Hirschsprung’s Disease in Neonate: A Single Center Experience

Purpose: The single stage transanal pull-through (SSPT) for Hirschsprung’sdisease is becoming the most popular procedure. This single center study compared the result of single stage operation with two-stage operation for Hirschsprung’s disease in neonates. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of all patients who were diagnosed as Hirschsprung’s disease and underwent SSPT or two-stage operation operation in Asan Medical Center between January 2003 and July 2014. Results: There were 17 SSPT and 28 two-stage operation. The mean age of SSPT group was 14.2±7.1 days, and the mean age of two-stage operation group was 15.4±8.6 days for stomy formation, and 188.6±36.3 days for Duhamel operation. The operation time of SSPT was shorter than Duhamel operation (145.0±37.0 minutes vs. 193.0±36.0 minutes, p<0.001). The mean follow-up period of SSPT and two-stage operation was 35.5±34.9 months (range, 2-132 months) and 56.6±35.5 months (range, 1-121 months), respectively. Defecation problem rate such as fecal soiling or fecal impaction showed no significant difference between the two groups (p=0.719). Two SSPT patients required botulinum toxin injection due to rectal stenosis. Three patients of SSPT group underwent re-do endorectal pull-through due to remnant aganglionic or hypoganglionic bowel. Conclusion: The SSPT showed shorter hospital days. However, few patients experienced rectal stenosis, but were manageable with botulinum toxin injection. The SSPT requires experienced-pathologist, as well as surgeon, because intra-operation pathology reading is critical for appropriate SSPT. SSPT is a feasible and reasonable option to treat Hirschsprung’s disease.