Scintigraphic Defecography for Evaluation of Functional Outcome in an Adult Hirschsprung Population

Scintigraphic Defecography for Evaluation of Functional Outcome in an Adult Hirschsprung Population

This study aims to investigate long term outcomes of surgical intervention for Hirschsprung's disease and to explore the relation between scintigraphic defecography, type of surgery performed and symptoms as evaluated by a disease specific questionnaire.

Hirschsprung's disease (HD) is a congenital deficiency with incomplete development of nerves in the gastrointestinal tract leading to absence of peristalsis in the affected segment of bowel. Most patients require surgical intervention with removal of the affected segment of bowel. Physical symptoms affecting quality of life are not uncommon in patients born with HD in spite of surgical intervention. This renders a need for a tool for evaluating the functional outcome in these patients.

Scintigraphic defecography examines the defecation in terms of the ability to empty the bowel and examines the relocation of faeces within the bowel in relation to defecation.

This study aims to explore the relation between scintigraphic defecography, type of surgery performed and symptoms as evaluated by a disease specific questionnaire (Hirschsprung and Anorectal Malformations Quality of Life Questionnaire).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients operated with any type of surgery for Hirschsprung's disease between 1985-2014
• Age > 15 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unable to understand given instructions in relation to the defecography (ex. retarded)
• Pregnancy
• Missing consent