Specialized Care for Complex Colorectal Conditions
The Colorectal Center for Children at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center cares for children with complex conditions, including:
The First and Only Pediatric Colorectal Center in the World
The Colorectal Center is the first and only comprehensive, multidisciplinary pediatric colorectal center in the world. Here, physicians specialize in the treatment of anorectal malformations, Hirschsprung's disease and other issues related to the bowel, including constipation and fecal incontinence.
Led by internationally renowned surgeons Alberto Peña, MD, director, and Marc Levitt, MD, associate director, the Colorectal Center is an international leader in pediatric care, research and education related to complex colorectal problems. Drs. Peña and Levitt have worked together since 1992, and established the Colorectal Center at Cincinnati Children's in 2005.
In 1980, Dr. Peña pioneered a complex reconstructive surgery called posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP), also known as the pull-through procedure, to treat anorectal malformations, Hirschsprung’s disease and other colorectal disorders. Drs. Peña and Levitt have performed more than 2,230 of these procedures around the world. The multidisciplinary Colorectal Center at Cincinnati Chidren’s performs more than 200 complex colorectal procedures each year – more than any other center in the world.
The Story of the Rainbow Fish
If you look carefully, you will notice that staff members in the Colorectal Center for Children each wear a multicolored, fish-shaped pin. The story of the rainbow fish, as we refer to this pin, came to have special significance to our Center.
Read the story of the rainbow fish.
A Commitment to Lifelong Care
At the Colorectal Center, our goal is to repair congenital malformations and help each patient enjoy a high quality of life through successful bowel management. Doing so requires lifelong follow up, from the time of a patient's first appointment through childhood and even into adulthood.
After corrective surgery takes place, follow up can continue until the child is ready for potty training, at which point families can participate in our Bowel Management Program. Once bowel control is achieved, we help children and parents prepare for the possible challenges of puberty, sexual function and childbearing as they relate to colorectal issues.
Contact the Colorectal Center at Cincinnati Children's
For more information or to request an appointment for the Colorectal Center at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, please contact us.
