Due to copyright issues, an electronic copy of the thesis must be ordered from the faculty. For the faculty to have time to process the order, the order must be received by the faculty at the latest 2 days before the public defence. Orders received later than 2 days before the defence will not be processed. After the public defence, please address any inquiries regarding the thesis to the candidate.
Order a digital copy of the thesis here
Trial Lecture – time and place
See Trial Lecture.
Adjudication committee
- First opponent: Professor Andrea Tereza Badillo, Children's National Hospital, Washington DC, USA
- Second opponent: Director of the Department of Mother and Child Health Alessio Pini Prato, Umberto Bosio Center for Digestive Diseases, The Children Hospital, AOU SS Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy
- Third member and chair of the evaluation committee: Associate Professor John-Peder Escobar Kvitting, University of Oslo
Chair of the Defence
Associate professor Lil-Sofie Ording Müller, University of Oslo
Principal Supervisor
Professor II Kristin Bjørnland, University of Oslo
Summary
Hirschsprung disease is a rare congenital colorectal condition associated with long-term bowel dysfunction and potential psychosocial challenges. This thesis investigated long-term outcomes and patient experiences in Hirschsprung disease, with particular emphasis on surgical outcomes and transitional care. Surgical technique had limited impact on long-term bowel function, and surgical treatment did not appear to impair urinary or sexual function in adolescent males. A systematic review revealed considerable variation in the reporting of bowel function, with limited use of validated questionnaires, whereas validated questionnaires were commonly used to report quality of life. Adults with Hirschsprung disease call for better and more coordinated follow-up during the transition from pediatric to adult healthcare. They particularly emphasize the importance of access to healthcare professionals with specialized knowledge and opportunities to meet peers with Hirschsprung disease and share experiences. Overall, the findings demonstrate that Hirschsprung disease may affect patients beyond childhood and highlight the importance of ensuring access to appropriate follow-up and multidisciplinary care for those who need it in adolescence and adulthood.
Additional information
Contact the research support staff.