Comparative review of functional outcomes post surgery for Hirschsprung's disease utilizing the paediatric incontinence and constipation scoring system.

Purpose: We aim to analyze differences in functional outcomes in children operated on for Hirschsprung's disease (HD) using the Paediatric incontinence/constipation scoring system (PICSS) validated in a normative group.
Methods: A retrospective review of the records of all children operated on for HD between 1997 and 2010 was performed. Patients had either a Soave or transanal endorectal pull-through. Children with total colonic aganglionosis and Down's syndrome were excluded. Utilizing the PICSS children who scored below their age-specific lower limit 95 % confidence interval PICSS scores were considered to have incomplete continence or constipation. The rates of incomplete continence and constipation were compared between groups. Significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results: PICSS analysis could be completed in 51 (Soave 35, transanal 16). The median age at interview was 71 months (range 6-191 months). The rate of incomplete continence was 75 % (n = 21) and 71 % (n = 10) for the Soave and transanal groups, respectively (p = 1.00). The constipation rate was 34 % (n = 12) and 25 % (n = 4) for the Soave and transanal groups, respectively (p = 0.74). The overall rates of incomplete continence and constipation rates were 74 and 31 %, respectively, compared with 14 and 10 %, respectively, when rates were calculated by review of records.
Conclusion: The PICSS is a sensitive tool for assessing functional outcome post HD surgery. The Soave and transanal procedures have similar functional outcomes.