Our team brings multiple experts together to help children overcome even the most complex colorectal and pelvic conditions. These conditions can require years of treatment and follow-up care, and we’ll stay by your side and deliver the care your child needs, every step of the way.

Comprehensive, convenient care

Children with birth defects in their lower intestine and pelvis are at higher risk for other health issues, such as problems with bowel and kidney function. Our team includes specialists in each of these areas, who will work together to develop a treatment plan that matches your child’s unique needs. This approach also means you can see all the specialists your child needs at one facility, many times in a single visit.

Our specialists include:

• Pediatric surgeons with special experience in these conditions
• Gastroenterologists who treat any digestive problems your child may have
• Urologists who care for issues related to your child’s genitourinary system
• Adolescent Gynecologists who care for sexual and reproductive issues in girls
• Nutritionists who can design a diet that helps your child manage their condition and stay healthy and active
• Psychologists who help parents and children cope with the emotional and stressful aspects of having unique needs around food and going to the bathroom

Care for newborns

Some babies with defects in the anus, rectum or lower intestine may need surgery soon after they’re born so that stool doesn’t build up inside their bodies and cause serious health problems. We treat babies from the time they are born, working closely with our neonatology team (which specializes in newborns) to make sure babies and their families have the care and support they need.

If your baby has no other issues, we can often do one operation to correct their problem. If your baby has heart or other more complex issues associated with their condition, we’ll do surgery in stages to make treatment as easy as possible. For those children that require more than one operation, we first do a procedure that pulls their intestine through an opening we create in their tummy as a temporary way for them to stool. When they’re stronger and their other health issues have stabilized – usually two to four months after the first operation – we’ll do a reconstructive procedure to give them the best chance for properly functioning bowel, rectum and anus.

Continuing care through childhood

As they grow up, children born with anorectal malformations, Hirschsprung's disease or other conditions often experience problems with incontinence (having “accidents”) or constipation (not being able to go to the bathroom to stool). We’re here to help your child play and go to school without being held back by worries or health problems. Our team will create a plan for your child that includes tips on what to eat and how to help your child use the toilet for the best bowel function possible. We will see your child regularly for many years so we can monitor their progress and adapt their care plan to fit their changing bodies and lifestyle.

Resources

• Colorectal and Pelvic Center Resources
• 5 Lessons I've Learned From Parenting a Child With a Rare Disease
• HMDSN Home Page (hirschsprungs.info)
• Pull-Thru Network
• One in 5000 Foundation
• United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc.
• The Rare and Resilient - ONE in 5000 Podcast
• REACH (reachhd.org)
• Youth Rally
• Imperforate Anus USA Support Group