Colorectal Center: Your Child’s First Appointment

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is home to a team of doctors specializing in colorectal and pelvic anomalies. Pediatricians, gastroenterologists (digestive health experts), urologists (bladder specialists) and surgeons provide a level of expertise that’s not widely available in the Western U.S. We offer every test and therapy enabling us to successfully treat the most complex issues.

We deliver comprehensive care starting with your child’s very first appointment. Children typically see specialists, undergo testing and receive a diagnosis in a single visit. This approach helps your child start healing as quickly as possible.

Visiting the Colorectal Center

We help children with conditions that cause peeing and pooping problems. Your child may benefit from an evaluation if there are issues with chronic constipation or bladder emptying. Anomalies can also affect bladder and bowel function leading to frequent accidents. Read more colorectal and pelvic anomalies information.

If you are coming to us from outside the Los Angeles area, we help you get the most out of your child’s first appointment. We typically schedule all necessary tests and evaluations in one day. If your child has already undergone testing, the first appointment may occur through a virtual visit.

Your Child’s First Appointment: What to Expect

Our nurse team calls you before the appointment. We may ask for more information about your child’s symptoms. We also explain what will happen during the visit and answer your questions.

On appointment day, here’s what to expect:

Testing

Some children need tests before specialist evaluations. In some cases, it’s a basic abdominal X-ray. For other children, more advanced testing is necessary. Your child may need a procedure in the operating room to test bladder or bowel function. Find out more about colorectal and pelvic anomaly evaluation and diagnosis.

Specialist evaluations

Incontinence specialists and other doctors take turns meeting with you and your child. They review your child’s history and perform a brief physical exam. They also discuss test results and explain what the results mean for your child.

In some cases, only a few specialist evaluations are necessary. Children with conditions affecting colorectal and pelvic organs may see all our specialists. Meet our team.

Parent and child education

Experts take time to explain the diagnosis and how the anomaly affects bladder emptying or bowel function. We care deeply about your understanding of the issue, which is why we discuss these matters in ways that are easier to understand.

During the discussion, we encourage you and your child to ask questions. Knowing as much as possible about the diagnosis and treatment options helps you make care decisions you feel good about. It also takes some of the uncertainty out of what lies ahead so future appointments are a little less stressful.

Treatment recommendations

We consider your child’s unique needs and develop a personalized care plan that often includes multiple treatments. Your child has access to advanced options, such as surgical repair and pelvic floor therapy for children. Our expertise helps children achieve excellent outcomes, including better bladder and bowel control.

Surgery may significantly improve bladder or bowel function. However, your child may need to use special methods to help the body eliminate urine or feces (poop). For example, a daily enema solution and medications may be necessary to stimulate bowel movements. We teach these techniques and provide patient- and family-centered support through our voiding improvement and bowel management programs.

Next steps

Before the appointment ends, we review the next steps of your child’s care and how our team can help. We make your child’s next appointments and show you how to obtain any necessary medical supplies. If insurance approvals are required, we call to request them.

In some cases, advanced testing is necessary to help plan treatments. We explain why we’re recommending the test and what to expect. We also answer any last-minute questions you may have. If you think of anything else after the appointment, we are available by phone or the MyChildren'sLA Patient Portal.

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.