Conditions We Treat

Gastrointestinal disease and disorders

The gastrointestinal tract runs from the mouth to the anus and includes all the digestive organs in the body. These are the organs that extract nutrients from the food we eat through our mouths, then creates waste from what is not usable for energy. When there is a disorder in this tract and entire system, the basic functioning and health of the body is thrown into imbalance. For a child who is rapidly growing, this type of disruption has serious implications into both physical and mental development.

Some of these disorders include:

Abdominal pain

Esophagitis

GERD (reflux)

Pancreatic diseases

Celiac disease

Failure to thrive

Intestinal pseudo-obstruction

Peptic ulcers

Colitis

Food allergies

Irritable bowel syndrome

Polyps

Constipation

Gastrointestinal bleeding

Liver disease

Obesity

Crohn’s disease

Gastroparesis

Motility disorders

Short bowel syndrome

Therapeutic Endoscopy

An endoscope is a slender tubular instrument with an illuminated optical used to look deep into the body. It can be used for diagnosing problems in the gastrointestinal tract as well as to actual perform treatment procedures.

Esophageal Stent Placement

The esophagus is the tube that carries food and liquid from the mouth to the stomach. It is activated by swallowing. When a child is having difficulty swallowing or there is a benign blockage, a hollow tube called a stent is placed in the esophagus. The stent opens the esophagus. The placement of this stent in the esophagus is considered non-surgical.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Testing

Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER) is a digestive disorder that occurs when contents from the stomach flow back up into the esophagus. In children, it is common in those under two years of age. To test for this condition, an endoscopy is performed to examine the esophagus and stomach.

Gastric Surgery

Obesity in children is a negative impactor on overall health, contributing to health issues that in the majority of cases will be carried into adulthood. These can include type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and other conditions. There is also the emotional aspect of possible bullying of obese children by other children. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has determined that the best hope for many children might be gastric surgery to help with weight loss by making the stomach smaller and making other changes in the digestive system.

Video Capsule Evaluation

In order to diagnose issues of the gastrointestinal tract, especially the small intestine, video capsule endoscopy is often used. This minimally invasive tool allows the physician to view images that are magnified 1.8 times – higher than conventional endoscopes. This level of magnification allows the gastroenterologist to see individual villi, to evaluate the child’s condition and determine treatment.