Clinical Characteristics and Management of Benign Transient Non-Organic Ileus of Neonates: A Single-Center Experience

PURPOSE: The term benign transient non-organic ileus of neonates (BTNIN) is applied to neonates who present symptoms and plain radiographic findings of Hirschsprung's disease, but do not have aganglionic bowel and are managed well by conservative treatment. It can often be difficult to diagnose BTNIN because its initial symptoms are similar to those of Hirschsprung's disease. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical characteristics and proper treatment of BTNIN. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was made on the clinical data of 19 neonates who were treated for BTNIN between January 2008 and December 2011 at a single facility. RESULTS: Abdominal distension occurred in every patient (19/19). Other common symptoms included emesis (5/19), explosive defecation (5/19), and constipation (4/19). The vast majority of patients (15/19) experienced the onset of symptoms between 2 and 4 weeks of age. Radiograph findings from all of the patients were similar to Hirschsprung's disease. A barium study showed a transition zone in 33.4% (6/18) of the patients. However, rectal biopsy revealed ganglion cells in the distal rectum in 88.2% (15/17) of the patients, and anorectal manometry showed a normal rectoanal inhibitory reflex in 90% (9/10). All patients responded well to conservative treatment. Symptoms disappeared at the mean age of 4.9±1.0 months, and the abdominal radiographs normalized. CONCLUSION: BTNIN had an excellent outcome with conservative treatment, and must be differentiated from Hirschsprung's disease. A rectal biopsy and anorectal manometry were useful diagnostic tools in the differential diagnosis.