When a child has a colon and/or rectum abnormality, the associated challenges can impact quality of life for the child and the entire family.
As Florida's first and leading pediatric colorectal program, the Colorectal Center at Nicklaus Children's offers state-of-the-art medical and surgical care. We are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for children and families facing colorectal challenges. The center is designed to optimize medical and surgical care and daily living for affected families. The center treats children, adolescents and young adults with abnormalities affecting the large intestine (colon), anus, rectum, urinary tract and genitals with the goal of creating a personalized treatment plan that supports patients and families in living a full and active life.
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Care
The Colorectal Program's multidisciplinary
care team includes a full spectrum of specialists who are available to consult in the child's care depending on individual needs. Our bilingual staff is here to coordinate care for children with complex care needs. Medical team members that collaborate with the Colorectal Center include:
- World-renowned pediatric surgeons specialized in the management of bowel and rectum abnormalities
- Pediatric urologists
- Neurosurgeons
- Nurse practitioner with experience in supporting families in managing children with bowel and rectum abnormalities
- Pediatric gastroenterologists
- Radiologists
- Pathologists
- Psychologists
- Dietitians
- Child life specialists
- Social workers
Treatments and Procedures
- Bowel Management Program
- Cloaca Repair
- Colostomy
- Crohn’s and Colitis Surgery
- Gracilis Muscle Neosphincter
- Re-operations or Complex Cases
Treatments and Procedures
Each child is different and children’s needs change as they grow and develop. At the Colorectal Center, treatment is tailored to the individual, working closely with families through all aspects of life to help with concerns and challenges that may arise during puberty and young adulthood.
Conditions We Treat
- Uterine and Vaginal Malformations
- Post-operative Complications
Dedicated Team in Improving Quality of Life
Many patients with colorectal disorders face challenges integrating into society because of associated social stigmas. Most children require long-term follow up care. The Colorectal Center is dedicated to the well-being and needs of all our patients through childhood and beyond.
Specialized weekly clinics enable families to consult with several members of the team in a unified setting, for personalized attention, to assess progress and modify care plans as appropriate.