The Effect of Rectal Irrigation Using A Combination of Metronidazole and Normal Saline on Histopathological Grades of Hirschsprung-Associated Enterocolitis
Ni Nyoman Amik Indrayani
Abstract
Background: Rectal irrigation is utilized both as a treatment and preventive approach for Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC). Normal saline is frequently employed for rectal irrigation, while metronidazole, a systemic antibiotic, is commonly used in managing HAEC. However, the use of metronidazole in rectal irrigation has yet to be explored. Objective: This study aims to evaluate whether rectal irrigation with a combination of normal saline and metronidazole results in a reduction in histopathological damage in HAEC compared to rectal irrigation with normal saline alone. Methods: This experimental study employed a randomized post-test-only control group design. A total of 22 Wistar rats with a Hirschsprung disease model were divided into two groups (11 rats per group). The experimental group received rectal irrigation with a combination of metronidazole and normal saline, while the control group received normal saline alone. After seven days, re-laparotomy was performed to collect intestinal samples, which were then analyzed for the histopathological severity of HAEC. Result: In the normal saline irrigation group, 5 rats showed mild infection, and 6 rats had moderate infection. In the group treated with the combination of metronidazole and normal saline, 7 rats exhibited mild infection, and 4 rats had moderate infection. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.670). Conclusion: The combination of metronidazole and normal saline in rectal irrigation does not significantly impact the histopathological grading of HAEC.
Keywords
Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC); rectal irrigation; metronidazole; normal saline; histopathological grading
Cite This Article
Indrayani, N. N. A. (2026). The Effect of Rectal Irrigation Using A Combination of Metronidazole and Normal Saline on Histopathological Grades of Hirschsprung-Associated Enterocolitis. International Journal of Scientific Advances (IJSCIA), Volume 7| Issue 2: Mar – Apr 2026, Pages 308-312 URL: https://www.ijscia.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Volume7-Issue2-Mar-Apr-No.1047-308-312.pdf
Volume 7 | Issue 2: Mar – Apr 2026
