Rectal suction biopsy in the diagnosis of Hirschsprung disease in infants.

Our experience with 47 rectal suction biopsies performed in infants up to six months of age indicates that this is a simple and effective method for the exclusion of Hirschsprung disease. It requires the recognition of immature ganglion cells in neural units as equivalent to mature ganglion cells. Absence of these immature neural units in an adequate sample is highly suggestive of Hirschsprung disease.