Question
A newborn defecated for the first time 43 hours after birth during a medical examination, and under fasting conditions, the baby defecated 6-7 times spontaneously within 72 hours. No residual stool was detected during lavage. Could this be a sign of Hirschsprung’s disease?
Answer
The diagnosis of Hirschsprung’s disease is based on medical history, symptoms, rectal examination, and abdominal X-ray imaging. If a newborn has delayed excretion of meconium and a large amount of stool and gas are released after the examination, it could be one of the symptoms of Hirschsprung’s disease. Additionally, if abdominal X-rays show signs of low intestinal obstruction, the possibility of Hirschsprung’s disease should be considered. A definitive diagnosis requires a comprehensive analysis of various examination results.