What tests are done to diagnose Hirschsprung's disease?

The diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease is usually confirmed through clinical symptom observation, X-ray examination and rectal biopsy. The core diagnostic methods include ① clinical symptom analysis, ② imaging examination, and ③ pathological diagnosis.

1. Clinical symptom analysis is an important first step in diagnosis. Hirschsprung's disease usually presents with symptoms such as constipation, abdominal distension and vomiting in newborns. The doctor will ask about the medical history in detail, including the time and frequency of constipation and the accompanying symptoms, to determine whether it meets the clinical characteristics of Hirschsprung's disease.

2 Imaging examination is one of the common methods for diagnosing congenital megacolon. Abdominal X-ray can show the expansion of the colon, and barium enema can observe the morphological changes of the colon in more detail. These examinations help to determine whether there is significant expansion or obstruction of the intestine, and can preliminarily determine the location and extent of the disease.

3 Pathological diagnosis is performed through rectal biopsy. By obtaining tissue samples from the rectum and performing pathological analysis, the distribution of ganglion cells in the intestinal wall can be directly observed. Since congenital megacolon is caused by a lack of ganglion cells, pathological diagnosis is the gold standard for diagnosis. If the biopsy shows a lack of ganglion cells, congenital megacolon can be diagnosed.

Diagnosis is crucial for the choice of treatment. Once diagnosed, follow-up treatment usually includes rectal resection surgery, etc. Regular follow-up is required to observe the treatment effect. Timely diagnosis helps to intervene as early as possible, improve the patient's quality of life and reduce the occurrence of complications. When relevant symptoms occur, professional medical help should be sought as soon as possible to ensure timely and correct treatment.