When is surgery appropriate for congenital megacolon, and how much does it cost?

Patient's question:

Discovered 24 hours after birth! No bowel movement, abdominal distension, sought medical attention at Kaifeng Children's Hospital

Doctor's answer:

The diagnosis of megacolon requires tests such as barium enema, rectal and anal manometry, or rectal mucosal biopsy for confirmation. This is particularly cautious for newborns and children under 3 months with atypical clinical symptoms. If a short-segment megacolon (not transient) is diagnosed, irrigation is generally effective. If irrigation cannot control enteritis or fever, surgery should then be considered.