Short summary

Full-thickness biopsy (FTB) is the golden standard for the diagnosis of Hirschsprungs disease, with sensitivity close to 100%. At OUH, FTB is still the method of choice, where the patient is in general anesthesia and a sample of the rectum 2-3 cm above the dentate line is resected for histological examination.

Many centers use suction biopsy without the need of general anesthesia. This examination has sensitivity around 93% in the literature.

Our study is a retrospective study of rate of complications and biopsy sensitivity and specificity of all patients undergoing FTB from 2004-2014.

Rationale

Is our FTB safe?

Do our biopsies fulfill 100% sensitivity and specificity?

What is our complication rate?

Description of the cohort

All patients undergoing FTB at OUH in the period 2004-2014, aged 0-15 years. They all have late onset of stool after birth or severe constipation in childhood.

All patients undergo the procedure in general anesthesia and are being admitted and discharged on the same day.

Data and biological material

Chart review

Patobank information on histological samples.

Collaborating researchers and departments

Department of Surgery, Odense University Hospital

• Professor and Consultant Niels Qvist
• Specialist registrar Niels Bjørn
• Consultant Lars Rasmussen
• Staff specialist Mark Ellebæk

Department of Pathology, Odense University Hospital

• Consultant Sönke Detlefsen, PhD