Intestinal obstruction due to giant fecaloma in an adolescent with Hirschsprung’s disease

• Autores: Fernández-Ríos, Nataly, Aparicio-Curazi, Milagros Maria, Altamirano-Farfan, Euler Faraday, Oporto-Arenas, Brenda Massiel, Cama-Caso, Yamilet Frida
• Formato: artículo
• Fecha de Publicación: 2023
• Institución: Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos
• Repositorio: Revistas - Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos
• Lenguaje: español
• OAI Identifier: oai:ojs.csi.unmsm:article/25094
• Enlace del recurso: https://revistasinvestigacion.unmsm.edu.pe/index.php/anales/article/view/25094
• Nivel de acceso: acceso abierto
• Materia: Obstrucción intestinal; Cirugía General; Impactación Fecal; Enfermedad de Hirschsprung; Adolescente; Intestinal obstruction; General Surgery; Fecal Impaction; Hirschsprung Disease; Adolescent

Hirschsprung’s disease (HD) is uncommon, and most of the cases occur in neonates. It is rarely diagnosed during adolescence, and even fewer cases are documented. We present the case of a 16-year-old male who had 15 days of constipation, anorexia, postprandial vomiting and abdominal distension. Imaging examinations showed a massive fecaloma obstructing the colon, and histopathological examinations showed HD. Given the failure of conservative evacuation measures, an extended left hemicolectomy and colostomy were performed, plus appendectomy for bowel obstruction. The patient was discharged with antibiotic therapy. This case highlights the importance of considering HD in adolescents with chronic constipation and abdominal masses. Although patients may experience postoperative problems, surgery is the most effective treatment for HD.