Laparoscopic Rectosigmoid Resection With Transanal Colonic Pull-Through and Delayed Coloanal Anastomosis: A New Approach to Adult Hirschsprung Disease

BACKGROUND: Hirschsprung disease in adults is a rare and frequently misdiagnosed cause of long-standing, refractory constipation. Surgical procedures initially developed for pediatric patients have been applied to adults with varying degrees of success. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to describe a new surgical procedure consisting of laparoscopic rectosigmoid resection with a transanal colonic pull-through followed by a delayed coloanal anastomosis for the treatment of Hirschsprung disease in adults and to present our preliminary results with this technique. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a descriptive observational study of treatment outcome conducted at the colorectal surgical unit of a university teaching hospital in France. PATIENTS: Patients were adults with confirmed Hirschsprung disease treated from October 2006 through February 2009. INTERVENTION: Laparoscopic rectosigmoid resection was performed with a transanal colonic pull-through followed by a delayed coloanal anastomosis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical and functional data (Cleveland Clinic Florida incontinence scale and Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life scale) were obtained at postoperative visits. RESULTS: Five patients underwent the procedure. One patient died of postoperative cardiovascular complications. No patient had to be reoperated. No anastomotic leakage occurred. One patient developed anastomotic stricture requiring dilatation. No sexual or urinary dysfunction was reported. Postoperative analysis (mean follow-up 16 months) showed good functional outcomes in 3 (75%) of the 4 evaluable patients. LIMITATIONS: This study had only a small number of patients and no controls other comparison with cases reported in the literature. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic rectosigmoid resection with a transanal colonic pull-through followed by delayed coloanal anastomosis represents a valid alternative in the treatment of Hirschsprung disease in adult patients, because it involves minimally invasive surgery, does not require a preventive diverting stoma, and shows anastomotic security.