Hi,

sorry for the delay in answering. There is a condition named Hirschsprung disease which is a
congenital lack of autonomous nervous plexus in the digestive tract, usually the colon and
most specially the anus. It is a verious serious condition, but in its mild form it can show
itself as frequent constipation in the baby during the first months, mingled with episodes of diarrhea. The anus
might feel tight upon digital exploration, but the diagnosis must be made with a rectal
biopsy to determine the lack of the nervious gangli. Just a digital anal exploration is good
for nothing.

It is a serious condition and must be diagnosed as soon as possible after birth becasue it
requires surgery. But the correct means must be used, not a rude digital exam!! And if the
ped were considering this disease, he MUST inform the parents about it.

Hope this helped.

Kika Baeza
MD, family physician, future IBLCL
Madrid, Spain

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