Paediatric guidelines (in development)
There is no prescribed volume but your Nurse Specialist will advise the recommended amount you should continue in small volumes of approximately 30mls until the fluid is running clear. This is usually at least 100mls. As your child grows the amount of saline required will increase. Your consultant/Nurse specialist will advise.
Frequently asked questions
Each baby is individual. Advice will be given before leaving hospital and it should be at least once a day even if the baby is able to pass stools at other times. It is very important that the baby's bowel is completely emptied each time. If the baby's tummy is distended at any time, it is best to do an extra bowel washout.
If the baby is unable to pass wind adequately, it may be helpful to insert an empty rectal tube (apply lubricating jelly) to release gas or do a small bowel washout at these times.
The aim of the bowel washout is to keep baby healthy until surgery. However it is important to be aware of the signs of enterocolitis. This is inflammation/infection of the bowel and is different to gastroenteritis.
Signs & symptoms (a combination of the following)
- Swollen abdomen (tight and shiny)
- Vomiting (more than is normal after a feed)
- Discomfort (crying more than usual/drawing knees up)
- High temperature
- Blood in the washout fluid
- Foul-smelling watery fluid return from washout
If the baby has a combination of the above symptoms or seems generally unwell, the baby needs to be assessed quickly in A&E. Please tell them that the baby has Hirschprung's. The surgeon 'on call' at RHCYP Edinburgh should be contacted by your local hospital if you live out with Edinburgh.