Hirschsprung's disease

views updated

Hirschsprung's disease (heersh-spruungz) n. a congenital condition in which the rectum and sometimes part of the lower colon have failed to develop a normal nerve network. The affected portion does not expand or conduct the contents of the bowel, which accumulate in and distend the upper section of the colon. See also megacolon. [ H. Hirschsprung (1830–1916), Danish physician]

More From encyclopedia.com