Does Delayed Diagnosis of Hirschsprung Disease Impact Post-operative and Functional Outcomes? A Multi-Center Review From the Pediatric Colorectal and Pelvic Learning Consortium

The Pediatric Colorectal and Pelvic Learning Consortium conducted a multi-center retrospective review from 2017 to 2023 examining the relationship between delayed diagnosis of Hirschsprung disease and postoperative/functional outcomes.

The study included 679 patients with Hirschsprung disease from 14 different sites.

Increased age at diagnosis was associated with a greater likelihood of undergoing fecal diversion after initial pull-through procedure.

Increased age at diagnosis was associated with an increased risk of constipation or incontinence requiring intervention postoperatively.

No association was found between age at diagnosis and 30-day complication rate after initial pull-through.

No association was found between age at diagnosis and need for pull-through revision.

Delayed diagnosis of Hirschsprung disease affects certain postoperative and functional outcomes in patients.