Which statement from a parent of a 1-month-old infant undergoing initial surgery for Hirschsprung’s disease indicates understanding of the surgery’s goal?

Choice A rationale
The goal of surgery for Hirschsprung disease is to remove the diseased section of the intestine and then pull the healthy portion of this organ down to the anus. This is typically achieved through a type of surgery called a pull-through procedure. In some cases, doctors recommend ostomy surgery of the bowel followed by a pull-through procedure. During ostomy surgery, surgeons create a stoma on a child’s abdomen and connect the stoma to the large or small intestine. After ostomy surgery, waste will leave the child’s body through the stoma. The stoma is usually temporary. In most cases, surgeons can later close the stoma and connect the healthy part of the intestine to the anus. Waste will move through the intestines, and stool will pass through the anus again. Therefore, the statement “I’m glad that the ostomy is only temporary” indicates understanding of the surgery’s goal.
Choice B rationale
The operation for Hirschsprung’s disease does not involve straightening out a kink in the intestine. Instead, it involves removing the part of the large intestine that is missing nerve cells and then connecting the healthy part of the large intestine to the anus.
Choice C rationale
The use of a feeding tube is not typically associated with the initial surgery for Hirschsprung’s disease. The surgery involves removing the diseased section of the intestine and then pulling the healthy portion of this organ down to the anus.
Choice D rationale
While the ultimate goal of the surgery is to enable normal bowel movements, it is important to note that about half of children may have ongoing problems after surgery. These problems may include constipation and, in some cases, other symptoms of intestinal obstruction, such as a swollen abdomen or vomiting.