Infants and children who have Hirschsprung’s disease face unique challenges, which colorectal surgery can help correct.
To treat Hirschsprung’s disease, surgeons remove sections of the intestines that lack ganglia. This involves surgically removing abnormal portions of the colon and rectum and then pulling the remaining healthy part of the colon down to the anus, where it is reattached. Depending on the patient, colorectal surgery can include three different phases, but your child may not require all three.
TEPT: The Least Invasive Approach to Colorectal Surgery
The least invasive approach to colorectal surgery for Hirschsprung’s disease is the De la Torre technique — called the transanal endorectal pull-through technique, or TEPT.
Luis De la Torre, MD, internationally renowned pediatric colorectal surgeon at the Colorectal Center for Children, first described this approach in the late 1990s.
Since, TEPT has transformed the way doctors do surgery for Hirschsprung’s disease.
In TEPT, surgeons perform a transanal procedure, eliminating the need for an abdominal operation.
TEPT benefits
Compared to traditional surgery for Hirschsprung’s disease, studies show this minimally invasive method leads to:
- Shorter hospital stays.
- Shorter time to full feeding.
- Less pain.
- Excellent results.
View our video to learn how the innovative De la Torre technique helped a child overcome Hirschsprung’s disease.
Schedule a Consultation for Minimally Invasive Colorectal Surgery
To schedule an appointment or consult, please call the Colorectal Center for Children at 412-692-7280.
