Hi Bono

I believe the disease alluded to is Hirschsprung's. In Hirschsprung's there is a congenital absence of ganglion cells in the colon (large intestine). There is an aganglionic segment in the colon, which leads to a tonically contracted colon with a dilated segment above it (megacolon).


Best of luck in your good cause :-))
Elena



HIRSCHSPRUNG'S DISEASE
(AGANGLIONIC MEGACOLON)

What is Hirschsprung's Disease?

Hirschsprung's Disease is a rare congenital (present at birth) abnormality that results in obstruction because the intestines do not work normally. It is most often found in males. It is commonly found in Down Syndrome children. It can be life-threatening or a chronic disorder. The inadequate motility is a result of an aganglionic (without nerve tissue) section of the intestines resulting in megacolon (dilated section of colon).

What are the symptoms of Hirschsprung's Disease?

In a newborn, the chief signs and symptoms are failure to pass a meconium stool within 24-48 hours after birth, reluctance to eat, bile-stained (green) vomiting, and abdominal distension. During infancy the child has difficulty gaining weight , constipation, abdominal distension, episodes of diarrhea and vomiting. Explosive watery diarrhea, fever and exhaustion are signs of enterocolitis (inflammation of the colon) and are considered serious and life-threatening. If these symptoms occur, notify your child's doctor immediately. In older children, symptoms become chronic and include constipation, passage of ribbon-like, foul-smelling stools, abdominal distension and visible peristalsis (wave-like movement of the intestines). The older child is usually poorly nourished and anemic.

How is Hirschsprung's Disease diagnosed and treated?....