Surgery – MCQ 89 – Newborn with delayed passage of meconium

A new born presented with bloated abdomen shortly after birth with passing of less meconium. A full thickness biopsy of the rectum was carried out. Which one of the following rectal biopsy findings is most likely to be present?
A. Fibrosis of submucosa
B. Hyalinisation of the muscular coat
C. Thickened Muscularis propria
D. Lack of ganglion cells

Correct answer : D. Lack of ganglion cells

The history is suggestive of congenital aganglionic megacolon (Hirschprung disease). The ganglion cells in the intestinal wall are absent. It occurs due to arrest in migration of neural crest cells.