Toxic megacolon in Hirschsprung's disease is still potentially fatal

In recent years the emphasis in Hirschsprung's disease has been largely directed toward histology and histochemical findings and to the results of the surgical procedures currently practiced. However, in the individual patient with Hirschsprung's disease, of greater significance can be the occurrence of life-threatening enterocolitis. In its most severe form, this is associated with gross dilatation of the colon and profound toxemia, the combination being termed toxic megacolon. Because of its relative rarity and the need for neonatologists and pediatric surgeons to keep in mind this potentially disastrous complication, a patient with toxic megacolon is described and a therapeutic approach suggested.