Abstract
The functional evaluation of anorectum in Hirschsprung's disease was performed before and after operation using VTR-endoscopic method we have independently devised. During 3 years, more than 30 children with Hirschsprung's disease were submitted to this investigation. In normal children, a reflex relaxation of rectum and anal canal was observed to the pressure stimulation. On the other hand, no reflex movement was caught in Hirschsprung's disease, and when inflated to get an appropriate view, the aganglionic segment remained open just like a cavern. In the postoperative review, some patients who were operated on by Duhamel's procedure and Z-plasty showed reflex relaxation mainly in the posterior wall that was pulled through and anal canal. These findings give us many important suggestions concerning the mechanism of anorectal function.
