DUHAMEL-MARTIN PROCEDURE FOR HIRSCHSPRUNGS-DISEASE IN NEONATES AND INFANTS - ONE-STAGE OPERATION

Background: A retrospective study was performed to demonstrate that a one-stage Duhamel-Martin procedure is feasible for Hirschsprung's dise ase, even in neonates and infants. Methods: In a 2 1/2-year period, 32 children with Hirschsprung's disease were treated according to the me thod of Duhamel-Martin. In 22 of them the diagnosis had been establish ed within the first 2 months of life. Results: Twenty-nine children di d not receive a preliminary enterostomy. In the three neonates who did have a preliminary enterostomy, it was closed during the Duhamel-Mart in procedure. In the last 2 years, no enterostomies have been performe d. Conclusion: The one-stage Duhamel-Martin procedure is now feasible in almost all children, irrespective of age and weight. Copyright (C) 1996 hy W.B. Saunders Company