Duhamel Pull-Through
Pronunciation: doo-ah-MEL pull-through
Surgical technique for Hirschsprung disease involving retrorectal pull-through with side-to-side anastomosis. Alternative to Soave procedure.
Full Definition
The Duhamel pull-through is a surgical technique used to treat Hirschsprung disease, involving the creation of a colorectal anastomosis through a retrorectal approach. In this procedure, the aganglionic bowel is resected, and the ganglionic colon is brought down behind the retained rectal muscular cuff in the retrorectal space. A side-to-side anastomosis is then created between the pulled-through colon and the anterior wall of the retained rectum. This technique preserves rectal sensation while bypassing the aganglionic segment. The procedure can be performed using open, laparoscopic, or combined approaches, and offers good functional outcomes with acceptable complication rates.
Usage
Usage note: Specify the approach (open, laparoscopic, or combined) when documenting the procedure.
In Context
- "A laparoscopic-assisted Duhamel pull-through was performed with excellent mobilization of the splenic flexure." — Operative report
- "The Duhamel technique offers the advantage of preserving rectal sensation while achieving adequate decompression." — Surgical technique review