children s health issues
Hirschsprung Disease
Diagnosis of Hirschsprung Disease
Barium enema Rectal biopsy Measurement of the pressure in the rectum Initially, a Barium X-Ray Studies of the Digestive Tract is done to evaluate the defect. During a barium enema, the doctor instills barium and air into the child's rectum and then takes x-rays. (Doctors do not do a barium enema if they suspect the baby has enterocolitis.) Rectal biopsy (removal of a piece of tissue from the rectum for examination under a microscope) and measurement of the pressure inside the rectum ( Manometry ) are the only tests that can be used reliably to diagnose Hirschsprung disease. 