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Point of Contact:
Clinic Nurse Manager
757-953-7205
Location:
NMCP Bldg 2, 4th Floor
Availability of Services:
In addition to schduled clinic hours, there is a Pediatric Gastroenterologist on call 7 days per week for emergency services.
Scope of Care:
See Description of Services.
Referral Requested:
Referrals
Referral Instructions:
For emergent patients, call the NMCP Quaterdeck at 757-953-5008 and ask to speak with the Pediatric Gastroenterologist on-call.
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Pediatric Gastroenterology
The Gastroenterology Division provides evaluation and diagnosis for infants, children and adolescents involving the esophagus, stomach, intestines, pancreas and liver. Services are provided in the inpatient and outpatient setting. The gastroenterologists work closely with pediatric nutritionists, surgeons and other subspecialties to provide comprehensive care for military dependant children.
The Gastroenterology Division provides evaluation and diagnosis for infants, children and adolescents involving the esophagus, stomach, intestines, pancreas and liver. Services are provided in the inpatient and outpatient setting. The gastroenterologists work closely with pediatric nutritionists, surgeons and other subspecialties to provide comprehensive care for military dependant children.
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Procedural Capability:
- Upper GI endoscopy: This procedure is done under anesthesia in either the Pediatric ICU or the Operating Room. A flexible tube equipped with a camera will be inserted through the mouth to examine the upper GI tract. The physician may take small pieces of tissue (called biopsies) to examine under a microscope. This procedure is also used for removal of foreign objects, dilations of strictures (abnormal narrowing), and for management of bleeding in the GI tract.
- Lower GI endoscopy ("Colonoscopy"): This procedure is similar to the upper GI endoscopy and is also done under anesthesia. The flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the anus to examine the large intestine (colon). Biopsies may be collected to examine under a microscope. This procedure may also be used to remove polyps and to manage GI bleeding.
- G-Tube: Placement of feeding tube through skin directly into the stomach ("G-button"). Generally performed with the help of the Pediatric Surgeons.
- pH probe studies: These procedures help examine for reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus.
- Capsule endoscopy ("camera endoscopy"): This allows examination of the small intestine using a small video capsule that is about the size of a large vitamin. The camera captures pictures as it travels naturally through the small intestine and transmits images to a small device outside the body. After the procedure is completed, the images can be downloaded and reviewed by the physician. The capsule passes out in stool.
- Percutaneous liver biopsy: A liver biopsy will allow the physician to examine a small piece of liver tissue for injury or damage to the organ. A few days before the procedure, the patient will need to have blood tests. The test is done under anesthesia using a thin biopsy needle. The child is observed for several hours or overnight after the procedure.
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