RECTAL BIOPSY FOR HIRSCHSPRUNGS-DISEASE - WHAT IS THE OPTIMUM METHOD

During a 3-year period, 258 infants and children underwent rectal biop sy to exclude Hirschsprung's disease (HD) and related disorders; 32 (1 2%) were found to have HD. Major morbidity occurred in 3 (2%) of 148 p atients undergoing rectal suction biopsy (RSB) and 22 (13%) of 168 suc tion biopsies were inadequate for diagnosis. In 102 children over 6 mo nths of age, Storz rectal cup biopsy forceps were used with no signifi cant morbidity and adequate biopsies were obtained in 96% of cases. Op en rectal biopsy was performed in 8 patients. The RSB tube is safe and reliable, but attention to technique is important. For children over 6 months of age undergoing rectal biopsy for HD, the Storz rectal cup biopsy forceps yields superior results.