Colorectal and Pelvic Anomalies We Treat

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles delivers expert care for every colorectal and pelvic anomaly. As one of the most comprehensive colorectal and pelvic anomaly centers on the West Coast, families travel great distances to see us because we treat the most complex bladder and bowel issues. Our services make going to the bathroom more predictable and improve your child’s quality of life.

Colorectal and Pelvic Conditions

Colorectal anomalies affect the colon, also known as the large intestine, which is where digested food becomes poop. They also impact the rectum (pouch that stores poop). Pelvic anomalies can cause issues with bladder function and bladder control. Some pelvic anomalies involve the vagina or uterus.

These structural problems may cause frequent accidents or difficulty using the bathroom. Children’s Hospital offers comprehensive care and hope for healing. Read more colorectal and pelvic anomalies information.

Colorectal conditions and anomalies we treat

We treat colorectal anomalies and related colorectal conditions, including:

  • Anorectal malformation, which is a congenital condition affecting the anal opening. It may be missing or not wide enough for stool to pass.
  • Chronic constipation, which occurs when there’s ongoing difficulty passing stool (poop). Your child may have difficulty pooping even when there is a strong urge to do so.
  • Fecal incontinence, which is an inability to hold stool in before getting to a toilet.
  • Functional constipation, which happens when there is chronic constipation without a known medical cause.
  • Hirschsprung’s disease, which is a congenital (present at birth) condition. It involves missing nerve cells in the colon. The missing nerves prevent the colon muscles from moving stool through the intestines.
  • Neurogenic bowel, which occurs when a nerve issue affects bowel control.

Pelvic anomalies and conditions we treat

Anomalies affecting the pelvic organs and related pelvic conditions we treat include:

  • Bladder exstrophy, which is a congenital condition in which the bladder lies outside the body. When the bladder is in this position, it cannot store urine.
  • Epispadias, which is a congenital condition affecting the urethra, the tube through which urine leaves the body. The urethra does not form correctly and cannot do its job.
  • Neurogenic bladder, which occurs when a nerve issue affects bladder control.
  • Urinary incontinence, a symptom of some anomalies, which causes a sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate.
  • Urogenital sinus, which is a congenital condition where the vagina and urethra share one opening.
  • Vesicoureteral reflux, which occurs when urine flows backward from the bladder to the ureters or kidneys. The ureters are tubes that connect the bladder and kidneys.

Bladder and bowel anomalies we treat

Some anomalies affect both colorectal and pelvic organ function. These include:

  • Caudal regression syndrome, which is a congenital disorder affecting the lower body. It impacts many organ systems, including the bladder and bowels. Colorectal problems may include a twisted colon or imperforate anus.
  • Cloaca malformation, which occurs when the rectum, vagina and urinary tract have a shared opening. In some cases, the vagina has no external opening. Among the most complex cloacal malformations we treat is cloacal exstrophy.
  • VACTERL syndrome, which stands for vertebral defects, anal atresia, cardiac defects, tracheoesophageal fistula, renal anomalies and limb differences. Children with this condition typically experience challenges with at least three organ systems.

Comprehensive Colorectal and Pelvic Anomaly Care for Children

We offer access to multiple pediatric subspecialists in one convenient location in Los Angeles. Find out more about our Colorectal Center.

Contact Us

To schedule an appointment with a colorectal or pelvic anomaly specialist, call 323-361-5711.