The effect of rectosigmoidectomy and Duhamel-type pull-through procedure on lower urinary tract function in children with Hirschsprung's disease

Background/Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of rectosigmoidectomy and Duhamel-type pull-through procedure on lower urinary tract function in children with Hirschsprungs disease. Methods: During a 3-year period the authors assessed 11 consecutive children with Hirschsprung's disease prospectively by standard urodynamic investigations, before and after surgery. Urodynamics included simultaneous measurement of abdominal pressure, bladder pressure, detrusor pressure, and pelvic floor electromyography during filling and voiding. All children were submitted to laparoscopic resection of the aganglionic bowel segment below the cul de sac and a Duhamel-type pull-through procedure. Postoperatively, the children were assessed urodynamically and evaluated every 3 months for urologic problems. Results: Mean age at first urodynamic study was 5 months (range, 2 to 10). Postoperative urodynamics were performed at a mean age of 10 months (range, 5 to 159). The mean interval between operation and postoperative urodynamic study was 6 months (range, 2 to 10). No child had structural urologic anomalies or urologic problems before surgery, and all had normal preoperative urodynamic findings. After surgery, urodynamics were considered normal in 3 children. In 7 children cystometric bladder capacity (CBC) was abnormally large, and 6 of these children had significant residuals. However, all had detrusor contractility and were able to void spontaneously. One child had low bladder compliance postoperatively. Despite the urodynamic changes, no child had clinical urologic problems at further follow-up. Mean follow-up after surgery was 24 months. Conclusions: This study found that after rectosigmoidectomy below the cul de sac alterations of bladder function can be observed. In 7 of the 11 patients studied, mean cystometric bladder capacity was 87% higher than capacity estimated for age. Moreover, postoperative residuals were 156% higher than the preoperative values. These findings suggest that partial detrusor denervation is likely in these patients. However, because detrusor contractility was present, and none of the children had retention or any urologic problems, the findings must be interpreted carefully. Because children with Hirschsprung's disease generally do not have preexisting urologic problems, routine preoperative urodynamic screening is not necessary. However, children with voiding problems after operation should be investigated urodynamically. For legal reasons parents should be informed of possible urologic problems, especially if subtotal resection of the aganglionic bowel segment is planned. J Pediatr Surg 36:453-456 Copyright (C) 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.