The Colorectal Center
Colorectal Center

Get expert care for complex colorectal conditions from a team focused on your child’s health, comfort and quality of life.
Colorectal patient Maxwell Clark and his mom Megan smiling in clinic.

More Than 40 Years of Expertise in Complex Colorectal Care

When your child has a colorectal condition, you may have many questions. You may also feel unsure about what comes next. Our team understands these concerns and is here to provide clear answers, expert care and ongoing support.

The Colorectal Center is one of the world’s most comprehensive pediatric colorectal centers. It is also the longest-running center of its kind in the U.S. Our specialists have treated thousands of children from all 50 states and 88 countries.

We care for complex conditions such as anorectal malformations, Hirschsprung disease, cloacal malformations, constipation and fecal incontinence. Our team also provides advanced surgery, bowel management and long-term follow-up. We focus on helping each child achieve the best quality of life possible now and in the future.

Why Choose Cincinnati Children’s Colorectal Center?

  • Team-based care brings colorectal specialists, nurses and experts from other areas together to create one clear treatment plan
  • Deep experience includes more than 2,000 patient evaluations and more than 800 colorectal procedures each year
  • Advanced treatment options include minimally invasive surgery, sacral nerve stimulation and a one-week Bowel Management Program
  • Dedicated nursing support gives your family a trusted point person for questions, education and ongoing care
  • Expert second opinions help families better understand a diagnosis and make informed treatment decisions

Colorectal Care for Complex Conditions

Nationally Recognized Pediatric Expertise

Cincinnati Children’s gastroenterology and GI surgery programs are ranked No. 1 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for 2025–26. The Colorectal Center is an international leader in pediatric colorectal care, research and education.

Our team has treated thousands of children from all 50 states and 88 countries. More than 60% of our patients travel from outside the immediate Cincinnati area for care.

Advanced Treatments for Complex Conditions

Our surgeons use the latest techniques to treat complex colorectal conditions. When appropriate, they use minimally invasive surgery to reduce damage to nearby structures and support recovery.

Our team also offers advanced treatments such as sacral nerve stimulation. The one-week Bowel Management Program helps about 250 children each year improve bowel control and quality of life. More than 80% of children in the program achieve bowel control.

One Team, One Clear Plan

Your child may need care from several specialists. Our team brings experts in colorectal surgery, gastroenterology, gynecology, urology, nutrition, behavioral medicine and pelvic floor physical therapy together.

These specialists work together to create a coordinated treatment plan. A dedicated nurse also helps answer questions, share education and support your family throughout care.

Support for Families Who Travel

Families come to Cincinnati Children’s from across the U.S. and around the world. Our team works with your child’s hometown providers when needed.

We share treatment plans and visit summaries with local care teams. This helps your child receive ongoing care at Cincinnati Children’s, closer to home or through a combination of both.

Care That Grows With Your Child

Colorectal conditions can affect your child at different stages of life. We look beyond immediate concerns and help families prepare for future health needs.

Follow-up care may continue through the teenage years and young adulthood. We also offer expert second opinions to help families better understand diagnoses and treatment options.