Gastrointestinal surgeons care for conditions that affect the gastrointestinal tract, from the esophagus all the way to the rectum. They can remove abnormal organs or tissues or repair structural problems that affect how children digest food.

At The University of Miami Health System, our pediatric surgeons are experts in gastrointestinal surgery, using innovative and advanced techniques to improve children’s health. They use a family-centered approach to ensure that children and parents are active members of the care team and can make informed care decisions.

Our surgeons offer surgical treatment for many gastrointestinal disorders, including:

• Gall bladder disease
• Gastrointestinal birth defects
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis)
• Polypoid diseases
• Ruptured or inflamed appendix
• Ruptured spleen

Tests

Prenatal Testing
Some prenatal testing, including blood tests and ultrasounds, may detect gastrointestinal birth defects before a child is born.

Endoscopy and Colonoscopy
Endoscopy uses a small camera inserted through the mouth to examine the inside of a child’s upper gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach and small intestine. Colonoscopy uses a similar camera inserted through the anus to examine the colon and large intestine.

Physical Exam
A physical exam of the abdomen may indicate problems such as ruptured spleen or appendix. During the exam, the doctor may push gently on the abdomen or listen to abdominal sounds.

Imaging Tests
Imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan may reveal structural problems in the digestive tract that need repaired.

Blood Tests
Your child’s physician may use blood tests to check for infections, anemia, or other conditions that may cause gastrointestinal symptoms.

Treatments

Prenatal Counseling
Some prenatal tests, such as ultrasound, may reveal a gastrointestinal defect while a child is in the womb. Our surgeons meet with expectant parents for a free consultation to help determine the best treatment for their baby once they are born.

Minimally Invasive Surgery
Whenever possible, we perform minimally invasive and laparoscopic surgeries for gastrointestinal disorders. Our surgeons are experienced in advanced procedures such as robotic surgery, needlescopic surgery and single incision laparoscopic surgery.

Newborn Surgery
Some structural defects in the GI tract may pose immediate risks to babies. Our surgeons perform delicate, precise gastrointestinal surgeons on newborns to prevent serious health complications.

Appendectomy
Our surgeons use minimally invasive procedures to remove ruptured or inflamed appendixes.

Cholecystectomy
During a cholecystectomy, the surgeon removes the gallbladder. This procedure may be performed through a single incision thanks to robotic assisted procedures.

Fundoplication
Fundoplication helps treat GERD by tightening the valve between the stomach and esophagus, reducing reflux.

Bowel rehabilitation
Bowel rehabilitation uses nutrition and nutrition therapies to help treat gastrointestinal disorders or help the bowel recover after surgery.

Colectomy
Inflammatory bowel disease may damage the large intestine or colon. Our surgeons can remove areas of colon may help improve symptoms.

Splenectomy
During a splenectomy, the surgeon removes the spleen using minimally invasive techniques.

Pyloromyotomy
This procedure is used to treat pyloric stenosis, a birth defect that blocks the opening form the stomach to the intestine. During the surgery, the muscle around the entry into the intestine is loosened, allowing food to pass through.

Gastrointestinal Repairs
Our surgeons use advanced techniques to repair disconnected parts of the GI tract (atresia), open narrowed areas (stenosis) or improve GI function.

Why Choose UHealth? 

World-class health care for children. Children and their families come from all over the world to receive top-quality care from our compassionate team of pediatric specialists. Your child will receive personalized attention from doctors who are sought out for their expertise.

University of Miami Comprehensive Colorectal Clinic (UMCCC).  Due to birth defects and congenital disorders, children may face a variety of colorectal conditions. These children need complex care, from surgery to nutritional support, to grow and develop in a healthy way.

Research leads to better treatments for your child. Our doctors not only treat patients – we are also closely involved with leading-edge research at one of the nation’s top medical schools, Miller School of Medicine. Through these types of studies, we have access to innovative treatments and procedures, more quickly than other facilities. Our team uses the latest technologies and research findings to provide your child with superior, personalized care.

Recognized for our exceptional care. Many of our pediatric doctors are recognized as America’s Top Doctors® by Castle Connolly — doctors who are nominated by their peers as being the very best in their communities. We have more Top Doctors than any other health system in South Florida. We’re affiliated with Holtz Children’s Hospital, one of the largest children’s hospitals in the southeastern United States. The hospital is ranked among the nation’s Best Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report in diabetes and endocrinology, gastroenterology and GI surgery, and nephrology.