Long-term growth outcomes in children with Hirschsprung disease after definitive surgery: A cross-sectional study

The growth of children with Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) can be affected by many factors, including the environment, nutrient intake, and surgery. Our study compared the long-term (i.e., at least 3 years of follow-up) growth outcomes in HSCR children after transabdominal Soave and Duhamel and transanal endorectal pull-through (TEPT) surgeries. A cross-sectional study was conducted in children <18 years of age diagnosed histopathologically with HSCR who underwent pull-through between January 1, 2012–December 31, 2015 in our institution. The postoperative anthropometric data were obtained prospectively through interviews during the outpatient clinic appointment or by telephone. We recruited 21 patients (Soave: 7 vs. Duhamel: 4 vs. TEPT: 10; p = 0.06). There were no significant differences between the three surgical methods in terms of preoperative and postoperative nutritional status categories (p = 0.52). Concerning the changes in nutritional status, after Soave surgery, it was improved, steady, and worsened in 28.6%, 57.1%, and 14.3% of the children, respectively. The nutritional status of the Duhamel group was worsened and steady in 25% and 75% of the children, respectively, while in the TEPT group, it was improved and steady in 40% and 60% of the children, respectively. However, these differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.42). While some HSCR children show an improvement in their nutritional status after Soave and TEPT procedures, the overall nutritional status is similar among different procedures. Further multicenter studies with a larger sample size are important to clarify our findings.