Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of patients with Hirschsprung disease (HD), particularly Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC), and to determine related risk factors in pediatric patients who underwent definitive surgical treatment at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between 2013 and 2023.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 74 pediatric patients who underwent a pull-through surgery from 2013 to 2023. Demographic data, surgery details, and long-term outcomes were collected.
Results: This study comprised of 59 children with HD, exhibiting a mean age at presentation of 8.9 months. Postoperative complications were reported to start at the mean age of 2.7 years. These complications included diarrhea (52.5%), constipation (30.5%), and enterocolitis (20.3%). Preoperative enterocolitis was recognized as a significant risk factor for postoperative complications in this study. Despite the prevalence, patients indicated a satisfactory quality of life.
Conclusion: The research demonstrated the complexity of managing HD and the need for improved preoperative diagnostic and postoperative treatment strategies. Despite many individuals suffering from chronic gastrointestinal disorders, they sustain a good quality of life. Further investigation is necessary to enhance surgical outcomes and patient welfare.

Key words: Hirschsprung disease, quality of life, postoperative complications, pull-through surgery, Saudi Arabia.