Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology is a medical specialty focused on the digestive system—including the mouth esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum and anus.

Children who have disabilities and complex conditions, including muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, juvenile arthritis and cerebral palsy can also have gastrointestinal (GI) challenges related to their primary conditions, including:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
• Issues with oral motor function.
• Poor intestinal motility (movement).

Sometimes gastroenterology treatment involves improving a child’s nutritional status and ability to eat. In other cases, testing is needed to assess the health and function of a child’s gastrointestinal system.

Common gastroenterology tests include:

• Colon scan (also known as a barium enema).
• Swallowing study.
• Upper GI endoscopy.

When issues arise, our gastroenterologists work closely with the other members of your child’s care team to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

Pediatric gastroenterologists at Gillette Children’s are experts at caring for kids who have physical, thinking and learning challenges.

Gastroenterologists work closely with the other members of your child’s care team to develop a comprehensive treatment plan, which might include specialties such as:

• Neurology.
• Nutrition and feeding.
• Pediatrics and general medicine.
• Rehabilitation medicine.
• Radiology and imaging.