Background: Hirschsprung's associated enterocolitis (HAEC) after surgery is a common problem. The exact pathogenesis of HAEC still remains unclear. Considering the complex interrelation between the epithelium, the immune system, and the micro biome of the intestine, disturbances of the intestinal microbial composition may predispose a patient to develop HAEC. Surgery reduces, but does not eliminate the risk of enterocolitis, as up to 40% of the patients continue to suffer from HAEC despite correct surgical treatment.
Objective: To evaluate use of the lactobacillus acid fast (probiotic) as a prophylactic treatment for enter-colitis following surgery for Hirschsprung's disease (HD) .
Patients and Methods: This numerical randomized control study was done on fifty patients. Their ages ranged from 0 day up to 10 years. All of them had undergone surgical treatment for Hirschsprung's disease in Al-Azhar University Hospitals, Al Sheikh Zayed specialized Hospital and Al haram Hospital, during the period from January 2017 to December 2019. They were classified into 2 equal groups; Group A received lactobacillus acid fast (probiotic) as a prophylactic treatment for two years post-operative compared to group B did not.
Results: Treatment with probiotics did not only significantly diminish the incidence, but also decreased the severity of HAEC.
Conclusion: The use of probiotics as a prophylactic treatment following surgery for Hirschsprung's disease did not only significantly diminish the incidence, but also decreased the severity of Hirschsprung-Associated Enter-colitis (HAEC).