UNEXPECTED DEATH FROM ENTEROCOLITIS AFTER SURGERY FOR HIRSCHSPRUNGS-DISEASE

Unanticipated death from enterocolitis occurred in five children 3 wee ks to 20 months after uncomplicated reconstruction for Hirschsprung's disease. In each case the presenting symptoms of enterocolitis were mi ld and were misinterpreted by examining physicians. Within 2 to 12 day s of onset of symptoms, unexpected death occurred. Although fatal ente rocolitis is a well-known complication of Hirschsprung's disease, emph asis is usually placed on preoperative enterocolitis. Fatal postoperat ive enterocolitis is not a new entity associated with Hirschsprung's d isease, but physician awareness of this possibility is obviously defic ient. We strongly recommend extensive parent education and better post operative communication between the surgeon and the referring physicia n.