A Regional First: Nicklaus Children’s Colorectal Center
When a child has a colon or rectum abnormality, the associated challenges can impact quality of life for the child and the entire family.
To support affected families, the hospital in 2018 formed the Colorectal Center at Nicklaus Children’s, offering convenient medical and surgical care to support an active life.
The service – the first of its kind in South Florida – treats children, adolescents and young adults with abnormalities affecting the large intestine (colon), anus, rectum, urinary tract and genitals.
Conditions treated include: neurogenic bowel, anorectal malformations, cloaca anomaly, cloacal extrophy, fecal incontinence, functional constipation, Hirschsprung’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, neurogenic bladder, rectal prolapse and spina bifida.
“The goal of the center is to create a personalized treatment plan for each patient and family that supports an active life,” said Dr. Juan Calisto, a private practice pediatric surgeon specializing in treatment of colorectal disorders who serves as the center’s director.
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Care
The Colorectal Center care team includes a full spectrum of specialists who are available to consult in the child’s care depending on individual needs. The medical team includes the following specialists:
- Pediatric surgeon specializing in management of bowel and rectum abnormalities
- Pediatric urologist
- Neurosurgeon
- Nurse practitioner with experience in supporting families in managing children with bowel and rectum abnormalities
- Gastroenterologist
- Radiologist
- Pathologist
- Psychologist
- Dietitian
- Child life specialist
- Social worker
Dedicated Team in Improving Quality of Life
Many patients with colorectal disorders face challenges integrating into society because of associated social stigmas. Most children require long-term follow up care. The Colorectal Center is dedicated to the well-being and needs of patients through childhood and beyond. Weekly clinics enable families to consult with the team as needed to assess progress and modify care plans as appropriate.
For more information about the Colorectal Center, please call 786-624-4181, or email at ColorectalCenter@Nicklaushealth.org for more information.