Colorectal and Pelvic Anomalies Information

When your child has a bladder or bowel anomaly, it can seem as if life revolves around toileting. Your child may be on-edge about making it to the bathroom in time. You may feel exhausted from trying to prevent or cleaning up accidents. These challenges can be stressful for your entire family. Our experts at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles are here for you.

We are among a small number of pediatric programs in the Western U.S. capable of treating complex colorectal and pelvic anomalies. We offer the best available treatments and the information you need to be an active partner in your child’s care.

About Colorectal and Pelvic Anomalies

Colorectal and pelvic anomalies are a group of structural problems affecting bladder and bowel function. Having an anomaly means that an organ did not develop as expected and cannot work as it should.

Anomalies may cause frequent accidents or prevent the body from releasing urine or stool. These issues occur despite a child’s best efforts to prevent them. Learn more about the colorectal and pelvic anomalies we treat.

Colorectal anomalies

Colorectal anomalies affect the ability to poop. There could be an issue with the large intestine (colon), which converts waste from digested food into poop. Some anomalies affect the rectum, a pouch that stores poop. Anomalies can also impact the anus, a ring of tissue that holds poop in until there’s a bowel movement.

Pelvic anomalies

These anomalies affect the bladder and other structures that store and eliminate urine (pee). In some cases, there’s an issue with the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder (ureters). Pelvic anomalies can also involve the vagina and uterus.

Living with a Colorectal or Pelvic Anomaly

Some anomalies make it difficult or impossible to pee or poop regularly. Specialized therapies, like the ones at Children’s Hospital, can improve your child’s quality of life.

Treatments optimize bladder and bowel function. But your child may need to use alternative bladder or bowel emptying methods. Children typically wear regular underwear and take part in school and sports. But a daily routine of medications or special devices may be necessary to help the body empty pee or poop.

Our Colorectal and Pelvic Anomaly Services

At Children’s Hospital, your child benefits from the combined expertise of pediatricians, surgeons, urologists (bladder specialists) and gastroenterologists (digestive health doctors). We coordinate the tests and treatments your child needs to achieve better bladder or bowel control. Read more about your child’s first appointment.

Our services include:

Comprehensive evaluations

Your child has access to advanced tests evaluating the body’s ability to store and release urine and feces (poop). These tests, along with our team’s expertise, help us accurately diagnose the issue. Testing also enables us to monitor your child’s response to treatments. Explore colorectal and pelvic anomaly diagnosis and treatments.

Colorectal anomaly treatments

We help many children feel better with nonsurgical treatments, such as pelvic floor therapy for children. When a procedure is necessary, your child receives the best available care. Get more information about colorectal malformation treatments.

Pelvic anomaly treatments

Children’s Hospital is the only colorectal and pelvic anomalies program in the Western U.S. whose team includes pediatric urologists. These experts treat anomalies affecting the bladder, vagina and uterus. Learn more about genitourinary malformation treatments.

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.