Pediatric Bowel Management Program Overview

Our Expertise | Our Team | Our Location | Make an Appointment

At the Pediatric Bowel Management Program at Columbia, our goal is to improve the quality of life for children with colorectal and bowel issues. Using a combination of dietary changes, medications, enemas, and if needed, surgery, we will create an individual plan for your child to eliminate bowel accidents and the need for diapers and enable them to participate in normal activities. We will work with your family to develop a personalized plan that addresses your specific concerns.

To make an appointment with our Pediatric Bowel Management Program team, call (212) 342-8585.

Who We Treat

Fecal incontinence or accidents can be due to a number of conditions including constipation, behavioral disorders, neurogenic bowel disorder or other pelvic disorders. Stooling disorders may also follow surgical procedures for Hirschsprung disease and anorectal malformations (or imperforate anus).

Treatments We Offer

Treatment options for fecal incontinence may include:

Diet and Nutritional Counseling: Often times, fecal incontinence can be improved with dietary adjustments. We will work with you to improve the amount of water and fiber that your child has in their diet. We will also work with you to minimize foods that can further aggravate bowel issues. Keeping a food diary to track daily intake of foods and how they affect your child can often be useful prior to your visit.
Medications: Certain medications can be used to help speed up or slow down bowels as needed.
Bowel/Muscle Training: Training involves trying to have bowel movements at specific times of the day, such as after every meal.
Enemas: Depending on the underlying condition, some children benefit from daily enema therapy, which induces a complete emptying of the bowel. If your child is a good candidate for enema therapy, our team will provide you with equipment and training to administer this treatment.
Surgical Correction of Malformations: Some patients with complex anorectal or congenital malformations, including Hirschsprung’s disease or imperforate anus, may require surgical corrections of the congenital disorders
Long-Term Bowel Management: Patients with underlying conditions that require daily enemas may benefit from laparoscopic Antegrade Continent Enema (ACE) procedures, including the Malone antegrade continence enema (MACE) and cecostomy. The goal of ACE procedures is to create a path through the appendix as a conduit to flush the colon from above, thus eliminating the need for rectal enemas.

Our Team

Our Pediatric Bowel Management Program takes pride in its multidisciplinary team approach, where healthcare professionals from various specialties collaborate to provide comprehensive care. Our team consists of gastroenterologists, nutritionists, surgeons, nurses, and other experts who work together to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs. This collaborative approach ensures that all aspects of a patient's condition are addressed, including medical management, dietary modifications, surgical interventions, and ongoing support, resulting in optimal outcomes and improved quality of life.