Background: Hirschsprung (HD) disease is a relatively common neonatal developmental disorder of the enteric nervous
system.
Aim & Objectives: To study and compare the Soave and Swenson transanal endorectal pull-through procedures in HD
patients. Regarding the operative and postoperative complications, time to return to full oral feeding, duration of hospital
stay, and outcome.
Patients and Methods: This prospective randomized study included 40 patients diagnosed with HD disease at the
Pediatric Surgery unit, General Surgery department, Faculty of Medicine, at Cairo University Hospital and Benha Children
Hospital from July 2014 to October 2016. Patients were randomly divided into two equal groups.
Results: There was a highly statistically significant difference between the two groups as regards mean operative time
P<0.001. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups as regards blood transfusion, mean time
to return to full oral feeding P= 0. 612, and mean postoperative hospital stay P= 0.574 only two cases in group B suffered
from anal lacerations due to excessive traction by the retractor. There was no statistically significant difference between
the two groups as regards late postoperative complications P=0.267.
Conclusion: The Swenson Trans-anal pull-through, is a safe and effective alternative for the treatment of HD, with
comparable results to the more established Soave procedure, also with shorter operative time, without increased incidence of urological problems, or intraoperative injury of surrounding vital structures. The technique can even be easier than the Soave procedure.