Gastroenterology

Le Bonheur and the University of Tennessee have developed a multi-disciplinary team of board-certified gastroenterologists and specialized clinicians that treat children for digestive, liver and nutritional problems.

Pediatric gastroenterologists at Le Bonheur perform the full range of radiographic, serologic, histologic and endoscopic procedures, including esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy. If the procedure should require anesthesia, pediatric anesthesiologists are involved. Le Bonheur’s gastroenterology team treats a broad spectrum of pediatric gastroenterological issues. Common conditions our pediatric gastroenterologists provide treatment for are as follows, but not limited to:

• Chronic constipation or diarrhea
• Feeding and swallowing disorders
• Food allergies, including celiac disease
• Gastro esophageal reflux disease
• Liver disease
• Nutritional problems
• Pancreatic insufficiency, including cystic fibrosis
• Short bowel syndrome

Feeding/Swallowing Clinic
Pediatric gastroenterologists work closely with Le Bonheur’s rehabilitation service clinicians. A team of occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, dietitians and social workers provides a complete assessment and plan for children with feeding and swallowing disorders. The program currently provides assessment for 900 outpatients and 400 inpatients each year.

Assessments include the Modified Barium Swallow (MBS) study, which allows the speech-pathologist and radiologist to view the anatomy and physiology of the swallowing mechanism. Services also include development of in-depth evaluations and treatment plans.

The Morgan Foundation for the Study of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
The Morgan Foundation provides grants for research and consistent treatment of the rare liver disease primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). This disease can progress to liver failure, and a liver transplant becomes needed.

The cause of PSC is unknown, but many researchers believe it is an autoimmune disease. Le Bonheur is on the forefront of researching, treating and managing the long-term outcomes for this disease. For more information, please visit www.pscfoundation.org.

To find a pediatric gastroenterologist, please visit find a physician.