Dr. Rishi Chadha, MD is a board‑certified gastroenterologist who specializes in preventive gastroenterology, colorectal cancer screening, and minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. He completed his fellowship at Sunrise Health GME in Las Vegas and previously trained in internal medicine at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut.
Hirschsprung's disease is a condition some babies are born with. It affects the large intestine and causes problems with passing stool. The issue happens when certain nerve cells (ganglia) are missing in part of the colon. Without these cells, the colon can-t move stool through the bowel properly, leading to blockages and digestive trouble. Early diagnosis and treatment help prevent serious complications.
He reviews your child's birth history, symptom timeline, and any family history of Hirschsprung's or related conditions. A thorough abdominal exam checks for distention, tenderness, and anal sphincter tone.
This imaging study uses a contrast dye to outline the colon. It helps identify a -transition zone- where normal, ganglionated bowel transitions to aganglionic (nerve-cell-deficient) segments.
The rectal suction or full-thickness biopsy is the gold standard. A small tissue sample is taken from the rectal wall and examined under the microscope to confirm the absence of ganglion cells.
Dr. Chadha explains each test, answers questions, and reviews results promptly. He works with you to plan next steps-whether that's monitoring, medical management, or surgical referral.
Dr. Rishi Chadha, MD is a board‑certified gastroenterologist who specializes in preventive gastroenterology, colorectal cancer screening, and minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. He completed his fellowship at Sunrise Health GME in Las Vegas and previously trained in internal medicine at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut.
It's a condition where nerve cells are missing in part of the colon, making it hard for stool to pass.
About 1 in every 5,000 babies is born with Hirschsprung's disease.
With a physical exam, imaging (like a contrast enema), and a rectal biopsy to confirm missing nerve cells.
Surgery to remove the affected section of bowel that lacks nerve cells.
Most children feel better within 4 to 6 weeks and return to regular eating and play.
Hirschsprung's is present at birth and confirmed by biopsy; regular constipation usually begins later and has different causes.
Most children do well long-term. Follow-up care helps manage any lingering symptoms.
Diet and medication can relieve symptoms, but surgery is generally required for a complete cure.
It's rare but possible; some adults are diagnosed later in life if symptoms were mild or overlooked.
Call our office or visit the GastroDoxs website to book a consultation.
