Contrast Enema Research Articles

Oral Gastrografin: A Safe Alternative in Meconium Obstruction of Prematurity

Meconium obstruction of prematurity is primarily seen among very low birthweight or extremely low birthweight premature babies, causing low intestinal obstruction. It may delay the establishment of early full enteral feeding and compromise nutrition or cause obstruction requiring surgery or intestinal perforation. Currently, the management is mainly based on expert opinion and low-quality evidence. Conventional hyperosmolar contrast enema and gastrografin enema may not reach the site of obstruction because of the proximal nature of the meconium obstruction. Oral gastrografin is an effective and safe alternative for relieving meconium obstruction in a 28-week preterm baby. This avoids the need for surgery. This article highlights the use of oral route of gastrografin as a good nonsurgical alternative in extreme preterm babies in resource-limited circumstances.

Iodinated Contrast Induced Hypothyroidism in the Infant After Enteral Contrast Enema: A Case Report and Systematic Review.

Excessive iodine intake triggers the Wolff-Chaikoff effect resulting in downregulation of thyroid hormone synthesis to prevent hyperthyroidism. Failure to escape the Wolff-Chaikoff effect can be seen especially in (premature born) infants and may result in prolonged iodine induced hypothyroidism. We describe a rare case of a preterm infant who developed severe iodinated contrast induced hypothyroidism after the use and prolonged stasis of enteral iodinated contrast media (ICM). In addition a systematic literature search was performed to evaluate all available data on this complication. A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed and Embase. Studies describing the effect of enteral ICM on thyroid function were considered eligible. The primary outcome was to determine the frequency of contrast induced hypothyroidism in infants after administration of enteral ICM. The premature infant in our center developed severe iodinated contrast induced hypothyroidism after enteral ICM. In total, only two studies met our eligibility data, reporting eight patients. Out of these eight patients, four premature infants developed a contrast induced hypothyroidism after enteral administration of ICM. Data on severity, length and frequency of contrast induced hypothyroidism after exposure to enteral ICM is very scarce. The herein reported case and literature search illustrate the potential severity of the complication and underline the necessity of future studies on this topic. We recommend standardized monitoring of thyroid function after exposure to enteral ICM in newborns to prevent delayed diagnosis of severe contrast induced hypothyroidism until evidence based recommendations can be made.

Neonatal meconium-related obstruction: Establishing a research strategy to evaluate an evolving disease

PurposeThe link between prematurity and meconium-related obstruction is understudied. We sought to describe the contemporary spectrum of meconium-related obstruction and to validate the use of ICD-10 codes for the study of this family of diseases. MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included neonates within our health system treated for a radiographically or intraoperatively confirmed meconium-related obstruction from January 2018 to December 2022. We stratified obstructions by type (meconium ileus vs meconium plug syndrome) and need for intervention (contrast enema vs surgery). We evaluated the association of prematurity, cystic fibrosis, and Hirschsprung's disease with disease severity using t-tests, ANOVA, and chi-squared tests. We secondarily evaluated the accuracy of ICD-10 codes at identifying meconium-related obstructions using sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values. ResultsOver five years, 18 infants were treated for meconium-related obstruction. This included five patients (28%) with meconium ileus and 13 (72%) with meconium plug syndrome. Twelve neonates (67%) were preterm, including all five (100%) treated for meconium ileus, none of whom had cystic fibrosis or Hirschsprung's disease. Among infants with meconium plug syndrome, one (8%) had cystic fibrosis and two (15%) had Hirschsprung's disease. Eight (44%) patients required a contrast enema, 5 (28%) multiple contrast enemas, and 5 (28%) surgery. Increasing prematurity was associated with worse disease severity (p<0.001). Diagnosis code P76.0 identified all cases of meconium-related obstruction (sensitivity=100%; specificity=95%). ConclusionsMost meconium-related obstructions were related to prematurity and not cystic fibrosis or Hirschsprung's disease. The use of ICD-10 code P76.0 is a promising research strategy for this evolving condition. Level of evidenceLevel III – retrospective comparative study

Can the diameter of nerve fibers be effectively utilized to enhance the accuracy of determining the length of the aganglionic segment compared to intraoperative biopsy in patients with Hirschsprung’s disease?

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to investigate the accuracy of utilizing neural fiber trunk diameter in accurately diagnosing the length of the aganglionic segment in patients definitively diagnosed with Hirschsprung’s disease.ResultsIn this study, 40 patients (19 males, 21 females; mean age 2.5 ± 2.2646 years) were assessed for Hirschsprung’s disease. Constipation was the main symptom (75%), followed by abdominal issues. All underwent contrast enema and rectal suction biopsy for diagnosis, followed by surgery (predominantly Soave and Swensen techniques). Majority (85%) had rectosigmoid involvement. Neural fiber diameter was measured, with 52.5% ≤40 μm and 47.5% >40 μm. Statistical analysis showed 40% sensitivity(CI:95%) and 47% specificity(CI:95%) with a cutoff of 40.5 μm. Cohen’s kappa index for aganglionic segment size was 0.7.

Factors Associated with False Negative Results of Contrast Enema for Diagnosis of Hirschsprung’s Disease

Factors Associated with False Negative Results of Contrast Enema for Diagnosis of Hirschsprung’s Disease

Investigations, management and outcome of neonates presenting with distal intestinal obstruction: challenging the need for contrast enemas

PurposeTo characterise the investigations, management and ultimate diagnosis of neonates with distal intestinal obstruction.MethodsRetrospective review of term (> 37 weeks) neonates with admission diagnosis of distal intestinal obstruction over 10 years (2012–2022). Patient pathways were identified and associations between presentations, response to treatments and outcome investigated.ResultsA total of 124 neonates were identified and all included. Initial management was colonic irrigation in 108, contrast enema in 4, and laparotomy in 12. Of those responding to irrigations none underwent contrast enema. Ultimately, 22 neonates proceeded to laparotomy. Overall, 106 had a suction rectal biopsy and 41 had genetic testing for cystic fibrosis. Final diagnosis was Hirschsprung disease (HD) in 67, meconium ileus with cystic fibrosis (CF) in 9, meconium plug syndrome in 19 (including 3 with CF), intestinal atresia in 10 and no formal diagnosis in 17. Median length of neonatal unit stay was 11 days (7–19).ConclusionsInitial management of neonates with distal bowel obstruction should be colonic irrigation since this is therapeutic in the majority and significantly reduces the need for contrast enema. These infants should all have suction rectal biopsy to investigate for HD unless another diagnosis is evident. If a meconium plug is passed, testing for CF is recommended. Evaluation and therapy are multimodal and time consuming, placing burden on resources and families.

Evaluating the Role of Mechanical Bowel Preparation in Anterior Resection Through a Prospective Randomized Single-Blinded Trial.

Introduction Mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) before colorectal surgery is a common practice to reduce bacterial levels and infection. However, recent studies and data analyses have shown that this practice may increase the incidence of postoperative septic complications. Limited information is available regarding MBP for rectal surgeries. Our study aimed to examine the impact of MBP on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing anterior resection with primary anastomosis for rectal cancer in a single-blinded, single-center, prospective, randomized trial. Materials and methods Data were collected between September 2013 and December 2015 at the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, India. All patients scheduled for elective anterior resection with primary anastomosis for cancer between 5 cm and 15 cm were included in the study. All patients were randomized into the MBP and non-MBP groups after obtaining consent using a computer-based randomizer. The MBP group underwent bowel preparation with polyethylene glycol 24 hours before the operation and received sodium phosphate rectal enemas the night before the procedure. In the non-MBP group, only dietary restriction with a low-residue diet for 48 hours was recommended. Laparoscopic and open surgeries were performed. A contrast enema with barium was performed on all patients on postoperative days 6-8 to detect an anastomotic leak. Our primary endpoint was to assess the rate of anastomotic leakage between the two groups. The secondary endpoints were surgical site infection and postoperative morbidity. Results A total of 78 patients were recruited in the trial, and 18 were excluded because the surgery was the Hartmann procedure or abdominal perineal resection. The remaining 60 patients were divided equally into the MBP and non-MBP groups. No clinically significant disparities were evident between the groups concerning the preoperative prognosticators of anastomotic leak. Among the cohort, anastomotic leakage occurred in eight patients, representing a 13.3% incidence. Remarkably, within this subset, seven patients (23.3%) were attributed to the non-MBP cohort, whereas only one patient (3.3%) belonged to the MBP group. These findings demonstrated a statistically noteworthy discrepancy. The two groups had no statistically significant difference in surgical site infection and postoperative morbidity. Conclusion Our study suggests the benefit of preoperative MBP in sphincter-preserving rectal surgery to reduce the anastomotic leak rate. Additionally, incorporating large-scale studies and meta-analyses could enhance the robustness of our conclusions.

Tubular duplication of the sigmoid colon: clinical case

Patient B., 45 years old admitted with signs of complicated diverticular disease. Complaints since 2021 of periodic pain in the lower abdomen, false urge to defecate. Repeated abdomen CT and contrast enema revealed a blindly ending duplication of the sigmoid colon up to 15 cm in length. The patient underwent laparoscopic resection of a duplicated portion of the sigmoid colon. The was favorable at the time of discharge.

A308 AN UNUSUAL CASE OF MACE DYSFUNCTION: THE BENEFIT OF USING ANTEGRADE CONTRAST FOLLOW THROUGH MIMICKING HOME SETTINGS

Abstract Background Malone Antegrade Continence Enema (MACE) is indicated in cases where medical management for constipation or faecal incontinence with laxatives or enemas has failed. MACE allows the administration of flushes with and without laxatives in an antegrade manner to mechanically empty the colon. Aims The aim of this case report is to illustrate an unusual case of MACE dysfunction and how it was troubleshooted. Methods Case report and review of the literature Results 11-year-old female with neurogenic constipation and faecal incontinence for which MACE was being used. She was referred to clinic for evaluation of new-onset vomiting, abdominal distention, and abdominal pain with MACE flushes. Her flushes consisted of crushed Bisacodyl, glycerin, PEG 3350 and 300 ml of saline solution. Cone enemas were also being used to completely empty her rectum, otherwise evacuation with regular flushes was not occurring, but was causing significant abdominal pain, distention and vomiting. A contrast study was done by flushing water-soluble contrast through the MACE in an antegrade manner, while simultaneously performing a contrast enema, demonstrating good passage of contrast with no findings suggestive of obstruction. She was admitted to hospital to complete imaging studies, bowel clean out and to better understand her MACE dysfunction. Following bowel clean out in hospital, MACE flushes were resumed, causing the same symptoms. Flushes without Bisacodyl were tried in the attempt to avoid possible colonic spasms; however symptoms re-occurred. A second contrast study was performed (figure 1), mimicking home flushes in volume and time of administration, as well as patient’s position (sitting), completed in an antegrade fashion only. The patient developed symptoms 20 minutes after administering the contrast requiring cone enema. By the end of the study, there was poor passage of contrast through the proximal descending colon, suggesting a kink at the juncture between the sigmoid and descending colon. There was no reflux on contrast into the terminal ileum. An x-ray was done around 5 hours after, and contrast was still not seen in the rectum. The patient underwent diagnostic laparoscopy, finding adhesions in the left upper quadrant of the descending and sigmoid colon, causing a Z-configuration hairpin obstruction, and colostomy creation. The patient has been doing well since colostomy creation with no pain. Conclusions MACE dysfunction can be caused by colonic adhesions distal to the MACE site Simultaneous antegrade contrast through MACE and contrast enema may miss bowel obstruction Antegrade contrast study mimicking home settings may be more helpful in situations where bowel obstruction is suspected Funding Agencies None

Is proctoscopy sufficient for the evaluation of colorectal anastomosis prior to ileostomy reversal? A nationwide retrospective analysis of the Italian Society of Surgical Oncology Colorectal Cancer Network Collaborative group (SICO-CCN).

Several methods for assessing anastomotic integrity have been proposed, but the best is yet to be defined. The aim of this study was to compare the different methods to assess the integrity of colorectal anastomosis prior to ileostomy reversal. A retrospective cohort analysis on patients between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2020 with a defunctioning stoma for middle and low rectal anterior resection was performed. A propensity score matching comparison between patients who underwent proctoscopy alone and patients who underwent proctoscopy plus any other preoperative method to assess the integrity of colorectal anastomosis prior to ileostomy reversal (transanal water-soluble contrast enema via conventional radiology, transanal water-soluble contrast enema via CT, and magnetic resonance) was performed. The analysis involved 1045 patients from 26 Italian referral colorectal centres. The comparison between proctoscopy alone versus proctoscopy plus any other preoperative tool showed no significant differences in terms of stenoses (p = 0.217) or leakages (p = 0.103) prior to ileostomy reversal, as well as no differences in terms of misdiagnosed stenoses (p = 0.302) or leakages (p = 0.509). Interestingly, in the group that underwent proctoscopy and transanal water-soluble contrast enema the comparison between the two procedures demonstrated no significant differences in detecting stenoses (2 vs. 0, p = 0.98), while there was a significant difference in detecting leakages in favour of transanal water-soluble contrast enema via CT (3 vs. 12, p = 0.03). We can confirm that proctoscopy alone should be considered sufficient prior to ileostomy reversal. However, in cases in which the results of proctoscopy are not completely clear or the surgeon remains suspicious of an anastomotic leakage, transanal water-soluble contrast enema via CT could guarantee its detection.

Diagnostic accuracy of barium enema versus full-thickness rectal biopsy in children with clinically suspected Hirschsprung's disease: Acomparative cross-sectional study.

Hirschsprung's disease (HSD) remains a common cause of pediatric intestinal obstruction. Barium contrast enema (BE) is the primary imaging modality for the evaluation of clinically suspected cases. Here, we aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of BE in children with clinically suspected HSD when compared to a gold standard full-thickness rectal biopsy (FTRB). We recruited and consecutively enrolled children with clinically suspected HSD at two tertiary teaching hospitals. Participants underwent BE imaging and two radiologists interpreted the findings independently. Participants further underwent FTRB by pediatric surgeons as the confirmatory test. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) with the area under the curve (AUC) were calculated on Stata version 14.2, taking FTRB as the standard. We enrolled 55 cases, of which 49 completed the evaluation and were included in the final analysis. The median age was 9.4 months (interquartile range: 2-24], with a male-to-female ratio of 4.4:1. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of BE were 0.95 (95% confidence interval [CI][0.81-0.99]), 0.73 (95% CI [0.39-0.94]), 0.92 (95% CI [0.82-0.97]), and 0.80 (95% CI [0.50-0.94]), respectively. On AUC, the diagnostic accuracy of BE compared to the confirmatory FTRB was 0.84 (95% CI [0.69-0.98]). The diagnostic accuracy was higher in neonates (ROC: 1.00) when compared to infants (ROC: 0.83) or those above 1 year of age (ROC: 0.798). HSD-suggestive BE findings were associated with absence of ganglion cells on FTRB (χ 2 = 23.301, p < 0.001). Inverted rectosigmoid ratio and transition zone were more sensitive in detecting HSD of 0.92 (95% CI [0.74-0.98]) and 0.81 (95% CI [0.63-0.92]), respectively. BE is sufficiently accurate in the diagnosis of children with HSD, suggesting BE would likely be used to inform surgical management in settings where confirmatory biopsy is lacking. However, clinical judgment is warranted in interpreting negative BE findings.

Validity of Transition Zone in Contrast Enema to Detect the Level of Aganglionic Segment in Patients with Hirschsprung’s Disease

Validity of Transition Zone in Contrast Enema to Detect the Level of Aganglionic Segment in Patients with Hirschsprung’s Disease

Hirschsprung disease and intestinal malrotation: A rare association with unique perioperative considerations

BackgroundMultiple etiologies exist for neonatal intestinal obstruction with similar presenting symptoms. While single etiology is the most common cause, concomitant surgical diagnoses exist requiring unique peri‑operative considerations. We present a retrospective review of 5 patients with a rare association of Hirschsprung disease (HD) and intestinal malrotation. MethodsAfter IRB approval, patients were identified utilizing Data Direct and Electronic Medical Records ID with pathologically confirmed HD and intestinal malrotation from a single institution and retrospective review was performed. ResultsFive patients were identified with the concomitant malrotation and HD diagnoses over a 15-year period. Intestinal malrotation was confirmed by intra-operative findings. HD was confirmed in all patients by rectal biopsy. Feeding intolerance was the most common chief complaint. A contrast enema was the initial diagnostic test of choice in 3 of 5 of patients. All patients underwent a Ladd procedure, including appendectomy, during the index admission. Two of 5 patients underwent surgical management for HD during the index admission, while surgery was delayed in the remaining 3. ConclusionsAssociation between HD and malrotation causing intestinal obstruction has been previously described, albeit rare. The two diagnoses can present similarly in neonatal patients; although, the underlying pathophysiology, work up and surgical management is quite different. Traditionally, a Ladd procedure is performed utilizing an open approach and includes an appendectomy. However, patients undergoing a Ladd procedure with high suspicion of HD pre-operatively pose unique considerations. We present data of 5 patients to highlight unique considerations regarding diagnostic work up and operative planning.

Late Diagnosis of Hirschsprung Disease: Clinical Presentation and Long-Term Functional Outcomes

PurposeHirschsprung Disease (HD) is typically diagnosed in the neonatal period. A small subset of patients have a prolonged course of abdominal distention and constipation prior to diagnosis. Late HD is defined as having been diagnosed at greater than or equal to one year of age. The literature is limited and offers conflicting data on the implications of a late diagnosis. We aim to investigate the presentation, operative approach, and functional outcomes of a large cohort of patients with a late HD diagnosis. MethodsAll patients with a late diagnosis of HD (after 1 year of age) at our institution between 1997 and 2021 were included. ResultsTwenty-eight patients were diagnosed with HD at a median age of 3.4 years. Chronic constipation, failure to thrive, and enterocolitis occurred in 100 %, 31 %, and 14 %, respectively. All patients underwent contrast enema and biopsies during their workup, identifying primarily rectosigmoid disease (n = 27) and total colonic aganglionosis (n = 1). Surgical intervention was performed in 27 patients, with 4 patients (15 %) needing a stoma (3 with plan for staged pull-through, 1 long-term stoma) and 23 patients (85 %) undergoing a single-stage pull-through. Postoperative complications included Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (n = 5), ostomy prolapse and revision (n = 2), abdominal distention requiring ileostomy creation (n = 2), redo pull-through (n = 2), retroperitoneal hematoma (n = 1), and cecostomy tube placement (n = 1). At a median follow-up of 5.4 years, 83 % of eligible patients achieved fecal continence with 43 % needing laxatives for persistent constipation. ConclusionRecognizing a late presentation of HD requires a high index of suspicion. Patients with a late diagnosis did not experience an increased rate of permanent stoma, complications, or redo surgery compared to rates reported for the larger HD population. Similar long-term functional outcomes were achieved compared to the larger HD population. Level of EvidenceIV.

Hirschsprung disease.

Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a rare congenital intestinal disease that occurs in 1 in 5,000 live births. HSCR is characterized by the absence of ganglion cells in the myenteric and submucosal plexuses of the intestine. Most patients present during the neonatal period with the first meconium passage delayed beyond 24 h, abdominal distension and vomiting. Syndromes associated with HSCR include trisomy 21, Mowat-Wilson syndrome, congenital central hypoventilation syndrome, Shah-Waardenburg syndrome and cartilage-hair hypoplasia. Multiple putative genes are involved in familial and isolated HSCR, of which the most common are the RET proto-oncogene and EDNRB. Diagnosis consists of visualization of a transition zone on contrast enema and confirmation via rectal biopsy. HSCR is typically managed by surgical removal of the aganglionic bowel and reconstruction of the intestinal tract by connecting the normally innervated bowel down to the anus while preserving normal sphincter function. Several procedures, namely Swenson, Soave and Duhamel procedures, can be undertaken and may include a laparoscopically assisted approach. Short-term and long-term comorbidities include persistent obstructive symptoms, enterocolitis and soiling. Continued research and innovation to better understand disease mechanisms holds promise for developing novel techniques for diagnosis and therapy, and improving outcomes inpatients.

Defecography with water-soluble contrast enema: an alternative imaging method for detecting minor anastomotic fistula after partial intersphincteric resection.

Defecography with water-soluble contrast enema: an alternative imaging method for detecting minor anastomotic fistula after partial intersphincteric resection.

Abdominal Wall Abscess: An Infrequent Presentation of Colon Adenocarcinoma

Introduction: Colonic carcinoma has a variety of clinical presentations, however, invasion of the abdominal wall arising from the transverse colon is a rare one, as seen in this case report. Case report: 62-year-old patient with diffuse high intensity abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting and an epigastric abscessed heterogeneous mass (8 x 7 x 7cm). A water-soluble contrast enema was performed, showing diverticula, absence of distal colon contrast transition and the apple core sign, compatible with transverse colon obstruction. A transverse colectomy was performed, with primary colo-colonic end-to-end anastomosis, including omentectomy and complete en-bloc resection of the affected abdominal wall area. The histopathological findings showed a transverse colon adenocarcinoma with abdominal wall invasion; all surgical margins were free of disease (R0), and 24 lymph nodes were retrieved. Patients’ recovery was successful. Discussion: Locally advanced colorectal cancers invade adjacent organs without distant metastases. They may result in abscess formation even in unusual locations like the abdominal wall, which is a rare complication (0.3 to 4%). Colon cancer diagnosis before surgery may not always be possible; and a flawed diagnosis can determine an incomplete treatment because the intraoperative macroscopic malignancy recognition is not always achievable. En-bloc resection is the gold standard treatment to accomplish a complete resection, with histologically negative margins and no residual tumor (R0). Conclusion: Colon adenocarcinoma may rarely present as an abdominal wall abscess. Image studies may include CT, radiography, etc. but the patient’s clinical status should always be prioritized; those who present abdominal obstruction with a high risk of sepsis and mortality should be offered immediate surgical treatment. En-bloc resection is the gold standard to accomplish histologically negative margins and no residual tumor.

Entero-colonic Fistula Secondary to Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Premature Infant: A Case Report

Necrotizing enterocolitis is a severe inflammatory disease of the intestine and is the main cause of death in infants, mostly occurring in premature infants. Intestinal obstruction may occur during the medical treatment of necrotizing enterocolitis. A common cause of intestinal obstruction is intestinal stricture, and entero-enteric fistulas may form in the proximal portion of the intestinal stricture. Several mechanisms may be suggested for the development of entero-enteric fistula. Intestinal ischemia and subsequent necrosis do not become intestinal perforation over time, causing an inflammatory reaction, and are attached to the adjacent intestine, forming a fistula. Alternatively, a subacute perforation may be sealed off by the adjacent intestine, resulting in fistula formation. Entero-enteric fistulas are closely related to distal stricture and occurs when there is a localized perforation rather than a generalized perforation. Fistulas can be diagnosed via contrast enema examination or distal loopogram, and surgical resection is required. Here, I report a case of a preterm infant with an entero-colonic fistula secondary to necrotizing enterocolitis. The patient had abdominal distention and bloody stool and was confirmed to have rotavius enteritis. Plain abdominal radiographs showed pneumatosis intestinalis. The patient received medical treatment for necrotizing enterocolitis. While the symptoms were improving, he vomited again, and intestinal obstruction was suspected. Gastrografin enema was performed due to intestinal obstruction, and an enterocolonic fistula was found.

Management of children afflicted with hirschsprung’s disease: a narrative review

Introduction: Hirschsprung's disease is a genetic anomaly with an incidence of 1 in 5000 births, predominantly affecting females at a ratio of 1:4. It is characterized by the absence of ganglion cells in the enteric nervous system in the distal segment of the gastrointestinal tract. Approximately 90% of individuals with Hirschsprung's disease present with symptoms in the neonatal period. Classic symptoms include abdominal distension (&gt;90%), vomiting (&gt;85%), which can be bilious, and the absence of meconium passage in the first 24 hours of life (&gt;60%). Diagnosis is established through biopsies (gold standard), contrast enema, and anorectal manometry. While awaiting the results of rectal biopsy, saline rectal irrigations should be initiated one to three times daily to achieve functional bowel obstruction relief and enable enteral feeding until the pull-through operation. There are many surgical approaches for Hirschsprung's disease, including transabdominal approach (TAB) and transanal pull-through (TERPT). TAB mainly includes Swenson, Duhamel, Duhamel and Soave techniques. Swenson involves the removal of the affected area entirely with a termino-terminal anastomosis to the anal canal. In Duhamel, the normal colon is usually brought through the posterior rectal space and anastomosed with the contralateral rectum. In Soave, saline is injected into the rectum after circularly cutting the rectal muscular layer, leaving the mucosa intact at the level of the dentate line. Later, De La Torre-Mondragon proposed a new treatment called single-stage TERPT, a minimally invasive surgery with an anal approach that eliminates abdominal adhesions and pelvic nerve injury. The most commonly performed operation is the Duhamel procedure. The benefits of Duhamel include decreased stool frequency and increased consistency, but they must be balanced with the risk of pouch dilation and stool stasis. TERPT is superior to TAB in terms of hospital stay and constipation. However, there are still a large number of randomized studies to be verified, and more trials are expected to be conducted in the future to determine the best surgery. Among the postoperative complications are enterocolitis, dermatitis, fecal incontinence, and obstruction, with enterocolitis having the highest morbidity and mortality. Alternative treatments, although lacking evidence to prove their efficacy, include botulinum toxin, probiotics, and laser therapy. Objective: To synthesize the main and most up-to-date knowledge on the management of children with Hirschsprung's disease, from diagnosis to definitive treatment. Methods: This study is a narrative review. To carry out this work, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and cohort studies published in the last five years (2018 to 2022) were searched in the PUBMED scientific database. The keywords used were "Hirschsprung disease" and "Surgical treatment." Sixteen articles were found in the database.

Recurrent Sigmoid Volvulus in Children-Our Experience and Systematic Review of the Current Literature.

Sigmoid volvulus (SV) occurs rarely in children. After encountering two cases of recurrent SV, we reviewed the literature to define the recurrence risk, identify outcome predictors and to give treatment recommendations. We found 256 cases reported in children (mean age 10.2 years, gender ratio (m:f) 2.3:1). Associations exist with Hirschsprung disease (HD) in 10%, neurodevelopmental disorders in 10.9% and chronic constipation in 10.2%. Common symptoms and clinical signs were abdominal pain (85%), distension (85%), tenderness (54%) and vomiting (59%). Signs of peritonitis were present in 14% and indicated a gangrenous sigmoid (X2 = 45.33; p < 0.001). A total of 183 had abdominal radiographs, and 65% showed a positive 'coffee-bean-sign'. Contrast enemas were positive in 90%. A total of 124 patients underwent laparotomy; in 41 cases, the sigmoid was gangrenous and associated with more complications (X2 = 15.68; p < 0.001). Non-operative treatment (NOT) like endoscopic, fluoroscopic or rectal tube decompression was performed in 135 patients and successful in 79% with a 38-57% recurrence rate. A total of 73 patients subjected to elective surgery: 50 underwent sigmoid resection; 17 had surgery for HD. Clinicians should consider SV in all children with abdominal pain, distension and vomiting. Gangrene carries a higher morbidity. After successful NOT we recommend counselling about the recurrence risk and definitive surgery should be advised. HD is frequent in newborns but sometimes found in older children.