A newborn boy does not pass meconium in the first 24 hours. His abdomen is distended, and he begins vomiting. Various other tests lead to a diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease. An obstruction is most likely to be found in which portion of the gut?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hirschsprung's disease is a congenital disorder where ganglion cells are absent from the distal intestine, leading to a functional obstruction. The affected portion of the gut is typically the sigmoid colon and/or rectum. Symptoms include failure to pass meconium, abdominal distension, and vomiting.

A Newborn Boy Does Not Pass Meconium in the First