Enterocolitis complicating hirschsprung's disease

Abstract

Enterocolitis is a clinical condition with symptoms including diarrhea, abdominal distension, pyrexia, colicky abdominal pain, lethargy and the passage of blood-stained stools [1]. Enterocolitis is a significant complication of Hirschsprung's disease (HD) both in the pre- and postoperative period [2]. Hirschsprung's-associated enterocolitis (HAEC) can occur at any time from the neonatal period onwards into adulthood and can be independent of the medical management and surgical procedure performed. Recurrent enterocolitis can occur even in the presence of a diverting colostomy which is termed diversion enterocolitis. © 2008 Springer-Verlag.