Anorectal Malformations
Shriners Children's provides specialized care for children with anorectal malformations and other colorectal and gastrointestinal (GI) health problems.
Inpatient Bowel Management
Shriners Children's inpatient bowel management care puts children on the path to independence and promotes self-confidence.
Trouble with bowel control (fecal incontinence) can lead to struggles at home, in school, in friendships, with emotions, behavior and mental health. Many children with bowel management problems can be more active, social, happy and independent if they have a plan for bowel management that works for them. Our program is designed with your child in mind.
What is Inpatient Bowel Management care and How Will it Help?
When patients have severe constipation, or who have not achieved success from outpatient bowel management, we offer inpatient bowel management tailored to the unique needs of each patient and family.
After hospitalization, the child is discharged with a clear treatment plan in place. Further follow-up appointments are conducted one-on-one with a medical provider from our team.
Our care relies on methods shown to achieve results. We carefully adapt these methods to find the right balance for your child. We want you and your child to leave with a clear plan that you can use at home, and that may change your child’s daily life for the better.
By maintaining bowel management after the program ends, these patients can avoid bowel accidents, bed-wetting, permanent colostomy and dependence on diapers. The improvement in self-esteem and quality of life is often remarkable. Inpatient bowel management care is primarily designed for children age three-years-old and up.
Specific treatments and services may vary by location. Please contact a specific location for more information.
Why Our Team is Different
At Shriners Children's we take a multidisciplinary approach to care. Your child's care plan for bowel management will have the input of social workers, child life specialists, nurses, dietitians and physicians. This same team will follow your child's progress, making recommendations along the way, keeping you informed and answering any questions you may have.
How We Support Your Child’s Total Health and Well-Being
Families and patients say that Shriners Children’s feels like home to them, and it's no wonder to us. We know that a child's needs go beyond the physical. Our care teams support their social, emotional and developmental health with patient programs and activities.
A few examples include:
- Child life enrichment
- Creative arts
- Live entertainment
- Music therapy
- On-site public schooling
- Pet therapy
- School and community re-entry program
- Specialty camps
- Therapeutic recreation
Not all programs are available at every location. Contact your child’s care manager or any member of your child’s care team to learn more.
Our care team was really amazing. The doctors gave so much thought to Mathew’s different treatment options, so that he could live like any other kid.
Locations with an Inpatient Bowel Management Program
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Shriners Children's provides specialty health care to children around the world. We offer a comprehensive range of treatments, services and support to improve the quality of our patients’ lives and help them reach their full potential.
Colorectal and Gastrointestinal (GI) Care That Transforms Lives
Trouble with bowel control can lead to struggles at home, in school, in friendships, and with emotions, behavior and mental health. Many children can be more active, social, happy and independent if they have a plan for bowel management, and colorectal and gastrointestinal care that works specifically for them. Our program is designed with your child in mind.
Conditions We Treat
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Hirschsprung Disease
Shriners Children’s provides comprehensive care for children with Hirschsprung Disease, a birth defect that most commonly affects the colon (large intestine) and causes problems with passing stool.
Fecal Incontinence
At Shriners Children's, we provide specialized care for children with fecal incontinence and other colorectal and gastrointestinal (GI) health problems.
Chronic Constipation
Shriners Children's provides specialized care for children with chronic constipation and other colorectal and gastrointestinal (GI) health problems.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is loose and watery stool and is a common problem. Shriners Children’s cares for children with diarrhea that has lasted for weeks or longer to address more serious issues such as inflammatory bowel disease.
Next Steps
Request an Appointment
Families and caregivers seeking treatment should start by contacting us for an appointment.
Log in to the Patient Portal
Parents and guardians of existing patients can email, request records, schedule appointments and more.
Refer a Patient
Physicians and healthcare providers can request appointments, start transfers or contact us with questions.