As parents, discovering that your child has a medical condition can be an overwhelming and frightening experience. One such condition is Hirschsprung’s disease, a rare disorder of the bowel that primarily affects newborns and infants. This article, inspired by the insights from Dr. Nada Sudhakaran, a paediatric surgeon based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, aims to offer comfort, knowledge, and guidance to parents navigating this challenge.
Drawing from his 25 years experience, Dr. Nada discusses why Laparoscopic surgery (or keyhole surgery) has become the preferred method for treating Hirschsprung’s disease in children. With a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in both traditional and modern surgical methods, he advocates for the advantages of laparoscopic surgery, which he believes offers a more effective solution for patients and their families.
By the end of this article, parents will have a deeper understanding of:
The basics of Hirschsprung’s disease and the common complications it causes
The traditional approach to surgery and its limitations
The benefits and effectiveness of the modern Laparoscopic surgical method
Understanding Hirschsprung’s Disease
Hirschsprung’s disease is a congenital condition that affects the large intestine or colon. Children with this disease lack nerve cells in a portion of their intestines, leading to complications such as obstruction and abdominal distention.
Infant with Hirschsprung’s disease is featured next to a side by side comparison of a healthy colon and the colon of an individual with Hirschsprung’s disease.
An Anatomical Abnormality
In most children, the disease affects the lower 10 centimeters of the colon. The lack of nerve cells in this area causes the intestine to collapse, preventing the feces from being pushed down and expelled, leading to distention and symptoms of obstruction.
Initial Treatment
The initial management involves the introduction of a ‘washout’, a procedure in which a small tube is inserted into the lower part of the intestine to flush out the feces. This step is followed by surgery to correct the abnormality, known as a pull-through operation.
For a full article on Hirschsrpung’s Disease in children click HERE
In the following sections, we will explore why laparoscopic surgery has emerged as the preferred surgical method for treating Hirschsprung’s disease, offering numerous advantages over traditional open surgery.
The Traditional Approach: Open Surgery and Its Complications
In the traditional open surgery method, a cut is made in the abdomen, or an operation is performed at the anal level to pull the normal part of the intestine down to the lower end. The abnormal portion is then removed.
Open surgery incisions – large in size to allow access to hand manipulation by surgeon
Limitations
Despite its widespread use, traditional surgery has limitations. It does not provide a complete view or access to the entire intestine, which may lead to issues with the alignment of the intestine. In addition, it can be challenging to distinguish between the normal and abnormal areas, or identify areas that are dilated.
Potential Complications
The lack of a complete view during the pull-through operation often results in complications. Patients may experience issues if the joint at the bottom end is not correctly connected to the right part of the intestine. Such complications often lead to additional operations, causing unnecessary distress to the child and their families.
The Modern Approach: Laparoscopic Surgery
Dr. Nada advocates for laparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive method now favored by advanced medical centers around the world. This approach involves making small incisions in the abdomen to access and view the entire intestine, thereby overcoming the limitations of traditional surgery.
Precision and Efficiency
Through laparoscopy, surgeons can accurately identify the correct position for the pull-through procedure. It provides a better view of the intestine, which ensures the alignment is not twisted or kinked, and the right sections of the intestine are joined.
Keyhole surgery incisions – 3 small dots to insert camera and two instruments.
Reduced Complications
Laparoscopic surgery significantly reduces the risk of complications related to the pull-through operation. It allows the operation to be done as a single procedure that lasts the child’s lifetime, avoiding the distress and inconvenience of multiple surgeries.
Choosing Laparoscopic Surgery for Hirschsprung’s Disease
The advanced approach results in a smoother surgical journey and a better long-term outcome for children with Hirschsprung’s disease. Parents are thus advised to identify centers that offer paediatric laparoscopic surgery specifically for Hirschsprung’s disease to ensure the best possible care for their child.
In conclusion, laparoscopic surgery has revolutionized the treatment of paediatric Hirschsprung’s disease in Malaysia, offering a safe, effective, and less invasive alternative to traditional open surgery.
As healthcare providers, our goal is to ensure the highest quality of life for our patients, and this method moves us significantly closer to that goal. Parents, equipped with this information, can make informed decisions and feel more confident about their child’s treatment.
Remember, early intervention and the right surgical approach can make a significant difference in the long-term health and well-being of children with Hirschsprung’s disease.
Media & Patient testimonials after receiving Hirschsprung’s disease treatment from Dr. Nada
Press Coverage on Dr Nada’s Treatment
Mr Lim’s testimonial
Ms Coco Lee’s testimonial
“I met Dr. Nada through a HD parent Mr. Stephen, when my son was 8 months old, he is a DS child and he diagnosed HD when he was borned. Dr. Nada is a very loving kindness person, he share a lot of knowledge and information with us, he also help my son to reduce a lot of pain and abdominal problems. I hope he keep it up to help more people and found a solution to help more HD patients. Thank you Dr. Nada”
Coco Lee – Mother
Ms Lauren Cu’s testimonial
“Dr Nada attended to my child’s surgery. A very kind hearted surgeon. Two years ago, my child Zelene Lim was diagnosed with Hirschsprungs disease – leaky intestines. It is a rare condition that causes congenital pain since birth.
Dr Nada provided detailed information on the disease. I am saying this not because he attended to my child’s case. But instead he was willing to help us by accepting my son’s case when some surgeons as far as Penang and Singapore had turned us down. He advised us to fly in to Kuala Lumpur as soon as possible, if my child’s condition allows her to travel. I am thankful that my child has since recovered and thank you Dr. Nada for his concern and commitment.”
Lauren Cu – Mother
If you require surgical help with your child, schedule an appointment with Dr Nada and put your mind at ease knowing that your child is in good hands.
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Dr Nada Sudhakaran
Paediatric Surgeon & Urologist
Hospitals
Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur
Assunta Hospital Petaling Jaya
Languages Spoken
English
Bahasa Malaysia
Tamil
Clinics Available
Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur
+603-2296 0419
Clinic Hours Mon : 9.00 AM - 5.00 PM Tue : 9.00 AM - 12.00 PM Wed : 9.00 AM - 5.00 PM Thu : 9.00 AM - 1.00 PM Friday : 9.00 AM - 12.00 PM Saturday : 10.00 AM - 12.00 PM
Dr Nada Child Surgeon (Kuala Lumpur)4.9★★★★★ Based on 226 reviews fromSee all reviewsSimbar Dube ★★★★★ My son recently had a keyhole surgery performed by Dr. Nada, and I cannot speak highly enough about the experience.From the very beginning, Dr. Nada was calm, reassuring, and incredibly kind. As a parent, it is naturally stressful when your child needs surgery, but he took the time to explain everything clearly and made sure we felt comfortable and informed throughout the process. His professionalism and confidence immediately built trust.What stood out the most was how he treated my son. Instead of approaching the situation in a purely clinical way, he connected with him on a human level. He spoke to him kindly, made him feel safe, and after the procedure he even gave him a teddy bear. That small gesture meant a lot. It turned what could have been a frightening experience for a child into something much more comforting.The surgery itself went very well, and the care we received from Dr. Nada and the team was excellent. It is clear that he not only has great skill as a surgeon, but also genuine compassion for his patients.I am deeply grateful for the care he provided to my son, and I would highly recommend Dr. Nada to any parent looking for a skilled and caring doctor.esther kah yan ★★★★★ Dr Nada is a very detailed doctor in which he explained all the conditions to me about my baby, before deciding to have surgery. And also he will patiently teach us how to exercise for my baby, for post-surgery recovery purpose. Strongly recommend this doctor to all the parents if your baby is having tongue tie issue.Mánarina Nájib ★★★★★ Pengalaman yang baik Doktor yang peramah dan explaination yang bagusWeng Soon Tham ★★★★★ Wonderful experience with Dr Nada. We had concerns with our child but reassurance was given after a detailed examination and consultation. Reassured us surgery is not needed and adviced us what we could do to help resolve the issue. Very kind and gentle doctor. Would highly recommend!Nazihah MN ★★★★★ We couldn't have asked for a better experience with Dr Nadarajan for our son's hypospadias repair. From the initial consultation through the recovery process, the care was exceptional. The 2 stages surgeries was a success, and all of our follow-up appointments were incredibly smooth and reassuring. Most importantly, the doctor made us feel informed every step of the way. We are so grateful! Thank you very much Dr. Nada and his assistant, Su for the great service.izzaty nizam ★★★★★ Alhamdulillah consultation dengan Dr Nada sgt membantu. X jadi operate hydrocele. Tengok next year, Harap perubahan lebih baik.Felix Hermanto ★★★★★ Terima kasih Dokter Nada sudah mengobati hernia dengan sempurnaDokter sangat ramah dan menjelaskan dengan teliti dan jelasTerima kasih juga sudah memperbaiki sunat anak saya dengan baikRegina Loire ★★★★★ The doctor is very great, my child was lucky to meet Doctor Nada, his hernia was curedSyafa Annasya ★★★★★ Anak laki2 saya Muhammad Syaqif Alfarizqi 2x melakukan operasi undesensus testis bilateral bersama dr Nada, Best dr 🥰 terimakasi dr 🙏🙏Delbert ★★★★★ My son (1 year old) has a Hernia and we came from Indonesia for a treatment and doctor suggested an operation.Before the operation, doctor has explained in detail how the operation works and what effects may (very rarely) occur.H+1 After the operation was done my son doesn’t feel pain and can return to normal activitiesThe doctor very friendly and informative. We are so grateful can meet doctor NadaDavid Lim ★★★★★ Hi i am from indonesia, my son 1 years old get Hernia inguinal , and got surgery by doctor Nada. Doctor Nada is a best doctor i ever meet , he very patient to explain all the information and process of surgery before the surgery. The surgery is success and my son dont even feel pain at all after the operation, thankyou very much doctorYosie Novianlius ★★★★★ We're almost hopeless before meeting Dr. Nada, imagining that our 12-month-old baby might need surgery due to a diagnosis of UDT/retractile testis.However, we found new hope after meeting Dr. Nada. He is very friendly, calming, and took the time to explain everything clearly to us. He even drew diagrams and showed us his article, explaining that our son’s condition does not require surgery and is completely normal.We were extremely relieved.Additionally, our 12-month-old nephew underwent surgery twice with Dr. Nada, and both procedures were a great success.Ashraf Makki ★★★★★ I cannot express enough gratitude to Dr. Nadarajan for the exceptional care he provided to my son. He performed a laparoscopic hernia repair with incredible precision and skill.From the very first consultation, Dr. Nadarajan was professional, patient, and highly reassuring. He took the time to explain the procedure in detail, which put our minds at ease. The surgery was a complete success, thanks to his great expertise in minimally invasive techniques.What truly sets him apart is his outstanding bedside manner. His follow-up care before and after the surgery was exemplary; and he ensured my son's recovery was on track. We are truly blessed to have found such a brilliant and surgeon. Highly recommendedHelen Yao ★★★★★ Dr. Nada is a very kind and patient doctor. My 10-year-old son went to the emergency department with abdominal pain and had difficulty describing what he was feeling. Dr. Nada was excellent at guiding him to express his pain clearly. We highly recommend Dr. Nada to other parents.Hazwan Mustafa ★★★★★ Experienced. Making wise and fast suggestions to us. Thank you Dr.Ben ben bali ★★★★★ Dr Nada's explanation is very clear and answers our questions one by one. He is very Kind and expert, the operation is a success and the child after the operation can walk without feeling too much pain. Thank You Doctor Nada🙏🏻😊👍👍IENA AZLINA ★★★★★ Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Nada for his gentle care and reassurance throughout my daughter’s appendix surgery. Your kindness made all the difference. 💖FromDhia Zara Batrisyadzulkifli aziz ★★★★★ We went to see Dr Nada due to hernia on my kid but after evaluation it was hydrocele case. The procedure was done in a daycare ward. It was smooth & fast.Dr Nada team were friendly and professional. Thank you Dr for treating my child. Recommended paeds surgeon in Pantai.Siti Hadijah ★★★★★ Thank you Dr Nada. My baby was born premature at 28 weeks and had been intubated for a long time in the NICU. Before the hernia repair, he was less active, but after the surgery he became so much more cheerful, active, and had a better appetite. The procedure only took about 30–40 minutes, and Dr. Nada was extremely kind and gentle with him. He was actually my second opinion, and I finally felt confident to proceed with the keyhole surgery after meeting him. It was a smooth procedure with less pain and a fast recovery. What I really appreciate is that I could directly WhatsApp him anytime if I had any questions. He always responds kindly and patiently. Truly grateful for her excellent care. 💖Khai Ming ★★★★★ I recently brought my son to Dr. Nada for laparoscopic keyhole surgery for his hernia. The surgery itself went smoothly, and thanks to Dr. Nada's expertise, our son recovered much faster than we expected. Most importantly, my son was back to his usual active self in no time, and we even noticed he became more energetic and less grumpy after the procedure. I highly recommend Dr. Nada to any parent looking for a surgeon who combines professional excellence with compassion.Maznina Lee Faizal Lee ★★★★★ Best dpt jumpa Dr.Nada, selalu tengok dekat TT je.. penerangan yg jelas.. dari nervous jadi tenang.. Dr.Nada pandai ambil hati anak, so anak pon tak nangis.. sebelum Dr.Nada nak explain dia kasi ank tenang2 kt belakang tu..so mak2 ni dapatlah focus apa doktor nak cakap.. pepun sangat happy.. thank you Dr. Nada.Jcp Yeap ★★★★★ Dr. Nada is wonderful – very friendly and cheerful. He takes the time to explain everything clearly and always makes sure I feel at ease during the consultation. I truly value his expertise, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to other.Pavittra Mohan Pillai ★★★★★ We brought our baby (6 months+) to Dr. Nada’s clinic for a tongue tie release, and I cannot thank him enough. Dr. Nada was extremely thorough, caring, and professional throughout the whole process. Looking back, I wish we had done this much earlier when my baby was under a month old—it would have made my breastfeeding journey so much smoother.After the release, we immediately noticed a big difference. My baby feeds much better now, drinking milk from the bottle is easier, and swallowing solids has also improved within a few days. I’m also hopeful to see her relatch soon.Thank you, Dr. Nada, for guiding us through this journey and for your genuine care. I highly recommend Dr. Nada and his clinic to any parent considering a tongue tie release for their baby.Siti Anisda ★★★★★ Dear Dr. Nada, Dr Chong, Assunta Team and Pantai Team,I and husband just wanted to extend our sincere gratitude for the excellent care you provided during my son's tongue-tie procedure on 23 September 2025. Your professionalism, kindness, and reassuring approach made a world of difference during what could have been a stressful time for us.Thank you for making both my son and us as parents feel comfortable and well taken care of. We truly appreciate your expertise and compassion.♥️♥️♥️VIVEK SASHEENDRAN ★★★★★ I had a very pleasant experience with Dr Nada. Special needs son had an emergency due to an infection In the gut.Direshkumar Padmanathan ★★★★★ Dr. Nada is very good at handling kids and always very helpful. He makes children feel comfortable and explains things clearly to parents. Highly recommended!koduru lokesh ★★★★★ Our experience with Dr Nada was excellent, He was the best person person to treat our child. We are always thankful to Dr Nada.Zurina Jusoh ★★★★★ senang berurusan dgn Dr Nada, anak saya berusia 3,4 hari yang baru dilahirkan terpaksa/ wajib buat operation ESOPHAGEAL ATRESIA SURGERY.penerangan sebelum dan selepas operation dari Doctor sangat meyakinkan kami.skrg anak sudah berusia 4 tahun. alhamdulillahlah sihat. 👍👍👍terima kasih doc. doc membuat kerja dgn cemerlang💪👌👌Yi Meng Leong ★★★★★ Very experienced and professional dr, gave details info about before,during and after surgeryMohd Shahril ★★★★★ Good consultation. Bagus & baik dlam mengendalikan kanak-kanakChelsea Emb ★★★★★ Dr. Nada is a highly professional pediatrician. He provides clear and thorough medical advice. He is also extremely patient and kind with the children.We are truly grateful to have found such a caring and dedicated doctor. Thank you, Dr. Nada!Sadia Hossain ★★★★★ Dr Nada handled the case of my child really well. He was very good with my child to make them feel at ease and made the me reassured of the process he followed.hong family ★★★★★ Thank you Dr Nada for doing a successful appendix surgery for me.Dr Nada is very kind and caring.nenvy wantouw ★★★★★ Terima kasih dr. Nada, kedua anak laki-laki saya check up ke beliau, sangat puas dengan pemeriksaan yang dilakukan dr. Nada.Putri Ayu Pratiwi ★★★★★ Sangat baik, menjelaskan sangat rasional, menghilangkan kekhawatiran. Dokter terbaiklahWong Hsien Wei ★★★★★ Thank you, Dr. Nada, for your excellent care and support throughout our son’s treatment. He recently underwent keyhole surgery for a hernia, and everything went smoothly, just as you assured us.We were initially very worried about the anaesthesia, but you took the time to explain everything clearly and patiently, which helped us feel at ease.We’re truly glad we followed your advice to go with the minimally invasive approach, the recovery was quick, the pain was minimal, and the scarring was barely noticeable.Your professionalism and calm demeanour gave us great confidence, and we’re very grateful for the care you provided. ☺️👍Clarence Gretha Zetliec ★★★★★ The best doctor ever. He did a choledochal cyst surgery for my daughter, and it was incredible. I really Thank God I found him. Thank you so much doc!Jaya Devan ★★★★★ Friendly and a great doctor. Takes good care of patients. Felt really comfortable being his patient. Got a great treatment from him :)Caan Ee Wong ★★★★★ My daughter had a 6 hours keyhole surgery (choledochal cysts) performed by Dr. Nada. Time flies - it has already been a year since the surgery. Thanks to Dr. Nada’s professionalism, my girl is now able to live a normal life and has grown into such an active and sweet girl. Dr. Nada explained everything in detail during each of our visits. Thank you, Dr. Nada—we’re so grateful to know you.
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