This is a real story of a 10-year-old boy who had been suffering from difficulty in passing stool since birth. For many years, his condition caused serious health problems and discomfort. He was finally referred to a team of paediatric surgeons, where he was diagnosed with Hirschsprung’s disease — a condition where part of the bowel does not work properly.

The treatment involved three stages of surgery, which were all done successfully. After full recovery, the boy was finally able to live a normal life. As seen in the picture on the right, he is healthy and has returned to school with a big smile.

Key message: Difficulty in going to the toilet in children is not something to ignore. It may be a sign of a serious health problem. Caregivers and parents are strongly advised to seek medical attention as early as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can change a child’s life.

The Paediatric Surgical Foundation remains committed to supporting children with surgical conditions and spreading awareness about early medical care.