Intestinal neuronal dysplasia is similar to Hirschsprung's disease and necrotising enterocolitis, and is an inherited disease of the intestine. The intestine uses peristalsis to push its contents toward the anus; IND sufferers have a problem with the motor neurons that lead to the intestine, inhibiting this process and thus preventing digestion. Hirschsprungs disease, or congenital aganglionic megacolon, involves an enlargement of the colon, caused by bowel obstruction resulting from an aganglionic section of bowel (the normal enteric nerves are absent) that starts at the anus and progresses upwards. ... Peristalsis is the process of involuntary wave-like successive muscular contractions by which food is moved through the digestive tract. ... Female Human Anatomy Male Human Anatomy Anal redirects here. ... ⅔In vertebrates, the term motor neuron (or “motoneuron”) classically applies to neurons located in the central nervous system (CNS) which project their axons outside the CNS and directly or indirectly control muscles. ...

Conservative treatment involves the use of laxatives and enemas, and is often successful. If unsuccessful, surgical treatment (internal sphincter myectomy or colon resection) is used. In extreme cases, the only effective cure is a complete transplant of the affected parts. The threat of IND is such that, even though it is relatively rare, all new born babies are kept in hospital until they defecate. A laxative is a preparation used for encouraging defecation, or the expulsion of feces. ... This 2qt (about 2 liters) enema bag, or fountain syringe, equipped with a rectal nozzle, is to be filled with water or a solution, then suspended near the patient using the hook. ...

A famous case of IND is that of Adele Chapman, who had a triple transplant of the small intestine, pancreas and liver, the first of its kind in the UK; ergo the official charity of IND is the Adele Chapman Foundation.

Sources

• Gillick et al., J.. "Intestinal neuronal dysplasia: results of treatment in 33 patients", Journal of Pediatric Surgery, May 2001. Retrieved on 2006-06-30.