While a baby is still in the womb, its intestines (bowels) form. Intestinal malrotation happens when the bowels don't form in the right position. Bands of tissue can grow between the bowels and body wall and block part of the bowel.
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 doctor 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.
If your child is having trouble swallowing food or liquids safely, the health care provider may suggest tube feeding. Tube feeding is often done with a nasogastric (NG) tube.
A detailed look at what to know when your child has appendicitis, from symptoms and diagnosis to treatment and recovery.
This bowel operation may involve the small intestine, large intestine (colon), or rectum. This sheet tells you how to prepare for the surgery and what to expect during it. It also tells you how to help your child recover afterward.
An ulcer is a breakdown of tissue on the inside of the stomach or small intestine. This causes a sore to form. Learn more about what to do when your child has an ulcer in the stomach (gastric ulcer) or in the first part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcer).