Too Many Biopsies Performed to Rule Out Hirschsprung's Disease: But It is Worth Doing Them

Retrospective study of 188 patients shows that 68% of rectal biopsies performed to rule out Hirschsprung's disease met NICE guideline criteria, yet 20% of confirmed HSD cases would have been missed under strict adherence. Findings suggest current guidelines may be too restrictive, as unindicated biopsies carry low complication rates and can prevent missed diagnoses with serious consequences.