congenital aganglionic megacolon

Congenital aganglionic megacolon, also known as Hirschsprung disease, is a condition present at birth where nerve cells (ganglion cells) that normally control muscles in the colon are missing in certain sections. Without these nerve cells, affected parts of the colon cannot relax and pass stool properly, leading to severe constipation, swelling, and bowel obstruction. The condition typically involves a segment of the colon that is enlarged beyond the narrowed, aganglionic segment. Treatment usually requires surgical removal of the affected colon segment to restore normal bowel function.