What it means
A birth defect in which nerve cells (ganglion cells) are missing from the end of the bowel, starting at the rectum and reaching up for a varying length. The affected part stays tight, so stool backs up above it. Signs include no meconium in the first 24 to 48 hours, a swollen belly and vomiting in newborns, and long-term constipation in older children. It is named after Harald Hirschsprung, a Danish doctor. Treatment is surgery to remove the affected bowel.
For the nurse
Record when a newborn first passes meconium and report none by 48 hours. Before surgery, watch for enterocolitis (fever, explosive diarrhea, a swollen belly), which is an emergency. After surgery, teach ostomy care if one is placed.
At a glance
| Also written | Hirschsprung's disease, congenital aganglionic megacolon |
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Related terms
col/o
A word root that means colon, the large intestine.
constipation
Bowel movements that happen less often than usual, with hard, dry stool that is difficult to pass.
rectum
The last part of the large intestine, between the colon and the anus, where stool is held until it leaves the body.