Journal of pediatric surgery
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Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) staining of rectal mucosal biopsy specimens is the most important and popular examination for making a definite diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease. This examination often is performed for patients with constipation in the daily clinic. The results of this examination are reflected immediately in the treatment. However, the authors sometimes encountered difficult cases to diagnose, especially in neonates. Therefore, a retrospective investigation was conducted on the benefits and problems of AChE staining of rectal mucosal biopsy specimens in neonates. ⋯ The specificity of AChE staining was high (100%), but its sensitivity was slightly low (91%). Careful long-term follow-up is required for any cases diagnosed as normal. Mucosal biopsies should be repeated in cases of persistent clinical symptoms.