Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Program

We have an expert IBD team that consists of pediatric gastroenterologists, surgeons, a nurse coordinator, social worker and nutritionist. Our aim is to improve psychological health and to promote optimal growth of all children and adolescents with IBD. We are proud to report that remission rates in our patients are better than the national benchmark and our patients can participate in clinical research.

Diagnosis

We use the latest technology to diagnose IBD in children. The team performs a complete medical history, and physical examination as well as diagnostic procedures such as blood tests, stool tests, CT scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), endoscopy, colonoscopy and video capsule endoscopy.

Video capsule endoscopy is a test where you ingest a capsule that contains a tiny camera and a light source. The camera takes pictures of the small intestine for 8 hours as it travels through the digestive tract. The images from the camera are transmitted to a sensor belt and recorder that are strapped onto your body. The capsule is then expelled naturally through a bowel movement. A video capsule endoscopy may be ordered when the small intestine needs to be visualized to evaluate certain conditions or symptoms. This includes conditions such as Crohn’s disease, iron deficiency anemia or a gastrointestinal (GI) bleed.

Treatment

We offer current medical therapies including different medications such as amino salicylates, immunomodulators and biologic therapy. Our nutritionist advises children and families about diet and food choices to ensure optimal nutritional status and growth. Our social worker helps children and families cope with stress and psychosocial issues at work and at school. We have a dedicated team of surgeons who use the latest techniques of laparoscopic surgery through small incisions for faster recovery. We have a well-developed transition plan to transfer our patients after 21 years of age to our adult gastroenterologist colleagues.