Patient's question:
At 43 hours after birth, the newborn only passed meconium after a doctor's digital examination. Under fasting conditions, the baby spontaneously defecated 6-7 times within 72 hours, and no residual feces were found during enema. Could it be Hirschsprung's disease?Doctor's answer:
Diagnosis of Megacolon:1. Medical History: Most newborns with megacolon have a history of delayed meconium passage.
2. Physical Examination: The primary reason for reconsultation in newborns with megacolon is abdominal pain, which is characterized by generalized abdominal distension, visible subcutaneous veins, and in severe cases, a "shiny" appearance of the abdominal wall skin. Most affected children show intestinal patterns.
3. Digital Rectal Examination: Digital rectal examination is highly significant for diagnosing neonatal megacolon. In most cases, the examination reveals the passage of a large amount of feces and gas after the finger is withdrawn, accompanied by a reduction in abdominal pain.
4. Abdominal X-ray Examination: The plain X-ray shows signs of low intestinal obstruction.