Colorectal and Pelvic Anomalies Patient and Family Resources
It’s natural for children to be anxious about seeing the doctor. These feelings can be even more intense when it’s for a colorectal or pelvic anomaly. Children’s Hospital Los Angeles provides expertise and a care experience that’s easier on children and families.
We offer advanced tests and treatments that improve bladder and bowel control. Our compassionate approach considers your child’s comfort and your peace of mind in everything we do.
Our Patient- and Family-Centered Approach to Colorectal and Pelvic Anomalies
Our comprehensive approach includes patient- and family-centered colorectal and pelvic anomaly care. We deliver services that optimize your child’s well-being from head to toe. Offerings also include robust support services that make it easier for you to focus on your child.
Highlights of our program include:
- Team of experts: We are one of the only programs in the Western U.S. using a team approach to treat colorectal and pelvic anomalies. Surgeons, urologists (bladder specialists), pediatricians and gastroenterologists (digestive health doctors) coordinate the best treatments for your child. The team also includes nurse practitioners and nurses specializing in pelvic and colorectal anomalies. Working together helps us deliver timely, personalized care. Meet our team.
- Additional specialists: Additional specialists help your child get the most out of treatment. Our extended team includes physical therapists, gynecologists (women’s reproductive health specialists) and nutritionists. We also work with anesthesiologists to safely put your child to sleep for certain tests and treatments. Social workers can be provided as well to offer colorectal companionship services.
- Child Life services: When advanced tests or a hospital stay are necessary, Child Life specialists are here for your child. They use age-appropriate techniques to explain what to expect. They can also talk to your child’s siblings about what’s happening in ways that are easier to understand.
- Emotional support: Our team has psychologists who specialize in helping children with colorectal and pelvic anomalies. Our specialists understand the challenges your child faces. We help children find healthy coping methods and feel less anxious about the future.
- Help for families: Social workers help manage the challenge of caring for a child with complex medical conditions. They can connect you with prescription discount programs that lower medication costs. If there are insurance issues, social workers help you find additional coverage options. Additionally, through our Colorectal Companion Program patients and families with similar needs and circumstances are connected.
About Colorectal and Pelvic Anomalies
Colorectal and pelvic anomalies affect organs that help you pee and poop. They are often complex issues that need care from multiple specialists. Children’s Hospital is home to trusted experts who deliver the best available care for any anomaly. Read more colorectal and pelvic anomalies information.
Children may benefit from an evaluation if they have:
- Chronic constipation (difficulty passing stool)
- Frequent stooling or peeing accidents
- Inability to pee or poop
- Urge to pee or poop, but not able to
- Urinary retention (feeling as if there is urine in the bladder after trying to pee)
Colorectal Center Pre-Visit Coordination
We start preparing for your child’s visit well before appointment day. With your permission, we contact your insurance company to review your coverage. We also request approvals, if necessary.
Preparation includes gathering your child’s medical records. We recommend submitting your child’s records along with your referral if possible. Our team will want to review imaging studies, lab findings and surgical progress notes from other specialists your child has seen.
Our experts meet to discuss your child’s case before the appointment. We review previous medical records and work together to develop an initial care plan. This plan helps us tailor evaluations and confirm the diagnosis with a high degree of accuracy. Read more about your child's first appointment.
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