Gastroenterology deals with a child's ability to absorb and use food properly. When hereditary conditions, illness or congenital defects affecting the digestive system (including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, gallbladder and pancreas) interfere with a child's daily life, physicians refer them to the Children's Center for advanced treatments. Children suffering from acute illnesses are admitted to the hospital for evaluation and treatment. When a child's condition is less serious or of a chronic nature, he or she is seen through outpatient services.

Conditions treated include:

• Malabsorptive conditions, including malabsorption syndrome, celiac disease and cystic fibrosis
• Inflammatory bowel conditions (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, also irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Intractable diarrhea, age 11 and younger
• Intractable diarrhea, age 12 and older
• Chronic constipation, age 11 and younger
• Chronic Constipation, age 12 and older
• Metabolic disorders resulting in liver problems (glycogen storage disease, hereditary fructose intolerance)
• Failure to thrive
• Nutritional anemias
• Food allergies/intolerances, including lactose intolerance
• Diseases of the pancreas, including Shwachman syndrome
• Neonatal and viral hepatitis
• Ulcers
• Hiatal Hernia
• Inguinal Hernia
• Feeding and eating disorders

To deliver proper treatment, the gastroenterology team, under the direction of a pediatric gastroenterologist, performs diagnostic testing to determine the exact cause. The team is made up of pediatric nurse practitioners, pediatric nutritionists, clinical social workers and pediatric rehabilitation specialists, as needed. Individualized treatment plans and ongoing monitoring of progress ensure the best possible outcome for each child. When indicated, treatment plans include pediatric nutrition services to maintain proper nourishment.

Our pediatric gastroenterologists are:

• Yinka Davies, M.D.
• Philip McDonald, M.D.

Outpatient services provide care to children with medical conditions that require ongoing treatment, education and support. For information on our outpatient Pediatric nutrition services, visit the Pediatric Nutrition Services page or call (916) 733-1455.

For more information about gastroenterology-related conditions and treatments available, please visit our health information section.

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