This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Sign in
Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Diagnosis

Authoring team

The diagnosis can be suspected on the basis of the clinical findings, and is firmly established by:

  • rectal biopsy, which is usually obtained under anaesthesic as a punch or suction biopsy. A positive biopsy will document the absence of ganglion cells; this can be confirmed by staining for acetylcholinesterase
  • anorectal manometry: rectal distention demonstrates an absence of the normal rectoanal inhibitory reflex
  • barium enema: shows an undilated rectum, a narrow transitional zone, and a very dilated proximal bowel.

Create an account to add page annotations

Create a free account

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.