My Newborn Son Is In The Nicu Pending A Lab

Posted on Sun, 16 Feb 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 16 Feb 2020 Answered on

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Question : My newborn son is in the nicu pending a lab test for hirschsprung"s disease. His previous biopsy came back inconclusive. The biopsy was done due to a meconium plug at birth (2/5) that was surgically removed on 2/9. He has been receiving breastmilk since 2/11 and pooping regularly, though they are small. His belly is soft, no distention and good bowel tones. He is gaining weight. If he had hirschsprung"s, why would he be improving without intervention?

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (-4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hirschsprung's disease can present late also

Detailed Answer:
I understand your concern and I wish that your son will test again negative.

But at the same time I would also like to keep you informed that this particular disease can present with only constipation even as late as early childhood or late childhood also.

If he is not having any symptoms that is well and good.

But you meconium plug requiring surgical removal is not at common scenario in newborn babies.
This is the probable reason why your doctors have kept the final diagnosis under consideration still.

Best regards - Dr Sumanth Amperayani

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana