Current Environment: Development

Warning

Winter Weather

Snow is in the forecast. Consider switching to a virtual visit to receive care from home. Learn more>>

Dev

Colorectal and pelvic malformations can affect your child at different stages of life, from infancy to puberty and beyond. The clinicians in the Colorectal and Pelvic Malformation Center at Boston Children's Hospital specialize in caring for infants, children, and adolescents with complex colorectal and pelvic conditions, including anorectal malformations, cloacal deformities, and more. Whether your child has been newly diagnosed with such an anomaly at birth or requires revision of a previous surgery, our skilled clinicians will provide expert, compassionate care.

Our approach to colorectal and pelvic malformations

At the Colorectal and Pelvic Malformation Center, we take a team approach, combining internationally renowned specialists from surgery, gastroenterology, urology, gynecology, and other disciplines to address all aspects of your child's care. We also partner with the hospital's Motility and Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders Center when appropriate. The result is a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan that works for your child's unique situation.

Because your child's needs may change over time, we offer state-of-the-art evaluation and treatment options, as well as care for developmental and ongoing needs. Your child will have access to treatment with minimally invasive and robotic procedures not typically offered elsewhere, in addition to outpatient medical care such as our intensive bowel management program.

Leading the way in clinical care for colorectal and pelvic malformations

Our skilled clinicians are experienced in the latest treatment approaches for colorectal and pelvic malformations, including:

  • Pull-through procedure, a surgical technique used to treat Hirschsprung's disease. In most cases, our surgeons can perform this procedure with minimally invasive techniques, often entirely through the anus to prevent scarring.
  • Posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP), a type of pull-through procedure that treats anorectal malformations. This technique surgically creates a child's anus within their sphincter muscle.
  • Medical management, including medications and injections of botulinum toxin (Botox) into the anal sphincter.
  • Bowel management for children who are unable to anticipate or control their bowel activity, which can help reduce the likelihood of accidents.

Watch: Colorectal Q&A

Leading the way in clinical care for colorectal and pelvic malformations

Our skilled clinicians are experienced in the latest treatment approaches for colorectal and pelvic malformations, including:

  • Pull-through procedure, a surgical technique used to treat Hirschsprung's disease. In most cases, our surgeons can perform this procedure with minimally invasive techniques, often entirely through the anus to prevent scarring.
  • Posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP), a type of pull-through procedure that treats anorectal malformations. This technique surgically creates a child's anus within their sphincter muscle.
  • Medical management, including medications and injections of botulinum toxin (Botox) into the anal sphincter.
  • Bowel management for children who are unable to anticipate or control their bowel activity, which can help reduce the likelihood of accidents.