Hirschsprung Disease and Digestion

9. Ostomy Surgery

Children with Hirschsprung disease who are born prematurely or have multiple conditions may not be strong enough for pull-through surgery at such a young age. Instead, the surgeon may perform ostomy surgery when they are young so that they can grow safely and comfortably. During an ostomy, the surgeon removes the non-functioning part of the bowel and creates a small hole in the abdomen called a stoma. The surgeon connects the end of the healthy intestine to the stoma. Stool then passes through the stoma and into a collection bag outside of the body.