Experience with primary Swenson resection and pull-through for neonatal Hirschsprung's disease

Over a 5-year period (1984–1989), 25 infants underwent a primary neonatal Swenson resection and pull-through procedure for Hirschsprung's disease. There was no mortality and morbidity was limited to 3 infants, 1 of whom developed a rectourethral fistula. We conclude that with modern anaesthesia and monitoring, a primary reparative operation is a safe and bloodless procedure in the neonate. No diversionary stoma is required for the routine case, but this may be indicated for long-segment disease in view of the length of the longitudinal suture lines of the Martin modification, and also in the event of other complications, e. g. enterocolitis. Early corrective surgery at the time of the first admission was the chosen option of all parents provided the child was in good condition.Offprint requests to: A. Bianchi