A look at the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis.

The bowel (intestine) is a very long tube. It is coiled up tightly inside the abdomen. Intussusception occurs when a portion of the bowel slides inside another portion. This happens in the same way that parts of a telescope slide inside each other when you close it. The bowel can slide back out by itself. Or, it can get stuck. Blood supply to part of the bowel could then become blocked. This can cause severe damage if not treated.

A Meckel's diverticulum is a small pouch of tissue on the intestine (bowel). It forms when a baby is still growing in the uterus. Read on to learn more.

A volvulus occurs when the intestine (bowel) twists in a way it's not supposed to. The twist can cut off blood flow to part of the intestine. The part of the intestine not receiving blood can die. This can cause serious digestive problems. A volvulus can even be fatal.

While a baby is still in the womb, its intestines (bowels) form. As they form, they move into their normal position in the abdomen (belly). Intestinal malrotation happens when the intestines don't form in the right position. The intestines may bend the wrong way. Or, parts of the intestine may end up in the wrong part of the abdomen. Bands of tissue called Ladd bands can grow between the intestines and body wall. These secure the intestines in the wrong place. Ladd bands can also block part of the intestine, causing digestive problems.

In a child with Hirschsprung's disease, nerves are missing in the anus and rectum and in part or all of the colon. The part of the colon without nerves can't relax. So, stool can't leave the body.

Your child has had a procedure called an ileostomy. This surgery affects part of the colon (large intestine) and part of the last section of the ileum (small intestine). Parts of your child's colon and ileum were cut. Parts may have been removed. A small hole called a stoma is made in the abdominal wall and skin. During surgery, the intestine is attached to the skin to allow stool and mucus to pass out of the body. The stool and mucus drain into a holding bag. Below are guidelines for home care after an ileostomy. The healthcare provider and nursing staff may give you other directions for your child.

Your child has a colostomy. This procedure involved cutting (and sometimes removing) part of the colon (large intestine). The end of the colon was attached to a small hole made in the belly wall, creating what is called a stoma. Stool and mucus pass out of the body through this opening into a bag. Here are guidelines for home care.

Read on to learn about giving your child liquid food through total parenteral nutrition (TPN).

If your child is having trouble swallowing food or liquid safely, a feeding tube may be needed. This is a special tube used to put liquid food or medicine straight into your child's stomach or intestine. It may be used if your child can't take enough food or liquid by mouth for proper growth.