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Gastroenterology Services

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Children's Hospital Los Angeles is ranked among the top hospitals in the nation for gastroenterology care on the U.S. News & World Report Best Children's Hospitals List. The Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition offers care for a variety of digestive system problems, including those affecting the stomach, intestines, liver and pancreas. Our pediatric gastroenterologists use the latest techniques and technology to diagnose and treat diseases and conditions, such as:

  • Chronic abdominal pain
  • Chronic diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Gastroesophageal reflux
  • Intestinal bleeding
  • Jaundice
  • Liver dysfunction
  • Poor growth or malnutrition
  • Vomiting

We also care for children with gastrointestinal, liver or nutritional problems caused by other medical problems, including immunodeficiency syndrome, bone marrow transplant, organ transplantation, cancer and cystic fibrosis.

Our Approach to Care

Our division offers advanced clinical services, provided by a team of board-certified pediatric gastroenterology specialists, liver specialists and pediatric interventional radiologists. In addition, we offer support groups for inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, liver disease and other digestive disorders.

We care about providing the best care experience for each family. This includes a committment to preventing bloodstream infections in the Intensive Care Unit, providing family-centered care, access to child life specialists and interpreters, offering a parent advisory committee and being actively involved in quality improvement initiatives and clinical research to improve diagnosis and treatment for children with digestive disorders.

Evaluation

Children's Hospital Los Angeles offers a comprehensive evaluation for digestive system diseases and conditions. The evaluation process allows doctors to:

  • Detect inflammation, diseases and conditions of the colon and small intestine
  • Find the cause of bleeding or pain from the lower gastrointestinal tract
  • Assess changes in bowel habits, such as chronic diarrhea
  • Reassure intestinal health or begin critical treatment

Advanced Technologies

  • Video capsule endoscopy
  • Balloon endoscopy
  • Endoscopic band ligation
  • Esophageal impedance monitoring
  • Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
  • Antroduodenal and full colonic motility studies
  • Esophageal manometry
  • Anorectal manometry

Other Support Services

Our pediatric gastroenterologists work closely with other specialists and areas of the hospital, including:
  • Medical and surgical specialties
  • Pediatric Pain Management Program
  • Pediatric Acute Pain/Sedation Service
  • Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
  • Pediatric Anesthesia Program
  • Pediatric ICU, Rapid Response Team
  • Reverse isolation/infection control facilities