The Long-Term Follow-Up Result of Swenson's Operation in the Treatment of Hirschsprung's Disease in Vietnamese Children

Abstract

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the long-term follow-up result of Swenson's operation in the treatment of Hirschsprung's disease in Vietnamese children. The surgical intervention was performed in three stages. Swenson's operation was performed by the same surgical team. Hirschsprung's disease was confirmed by an operative rectal biopsy. Regular out-patient attendances were made for follow-up. From January 1987 to January 1990, 69 patients including 61 boys and eight girls underwent Swenson's operation at a mean age of two years and five months (range from seven months to 14 years). There were two postoperative deaths during first 48 hours due to sepsis and two other late deaths due to severe enterocolitis (four months and six months after closure of colostomy respectively). Complications such as anastomotic leakage, anastomotic stenosis, perianal abcess, pelvic abcess did not occur. A follow-up result was obtained in 54 of 65 survivors (83%) with follow-up ranging from two to five years (mean: three years and six months). 51 of 54 children (94%) had a normal evacuation. Constipation persisted in three children (6%). Fecal soiling occurred in four children (8%) and stress urinary incontinence in one child (2%). All boys (47 children) had a normal erection. 53 patients (98%) had a normal weight growth, whereas 48 patients (89%) had a normal height growth. In conclusion, the long-term follow-up result of Swenson's operation in the treatment of Hirschsprung's disease was satisfactory.