Massachusetts General Hospital | MassGeneral Hospital for Children

A Comprehensive Care Program

The Pediatric Neurogastroenterology Program at MassGeneral Hospital for Children (MGHfC) provides a multidisciplinary team approach aimed at restoring nutritional status and improving bowel function in children with a variety of congenital or acquired intestinal problems. Our goal is to provide you and your child with a wide range of expertise in the evaluation and treatment of severe intestinal disorders, including:

•     Hirschsprung’s disease
•     Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction
•     Short bowel syndrome
•     Motility disorders
•     Imperforate anus
•     Intestinal malrotation
•     Gastroparesis
•     Gastroesophageal reflux
•     Esophageal achalasia
•     Necrotizing enterocolitis
•     Intestinal neuronal dysplasia
•     Intestinal failure
•     Radiation enteritis
•     Gastroschisis
•     Intestinal atresia

Our Multidisciplinary Team

Each child will be evaluated and cared for by a team of experts, including pediatric surgeons, pediatric gastroenterologists, nutritionists and nurses. Child psychiatrists, child life specialists and social workers are readily available to assist in the care of these young patients. In collaboration with the Pediatric Gastrointestinal Motility Program at MGHfC, we use state-of-the-art equipment to examine the motility of the intestinal tract. Our team works closely with pathologists and radiologists with expertise in these complex conditions.

Cutting-Edge Research

Members of the Neurogastroenterology Program are actively involved in leading scientific research to understand better the causes of intestinal failure.

Our basic science research program aims to understand the development of the enteric nervous system and how abnormalities of nerve cell development in the intestine lead to functional disorders of the intestine, including Hirschsprung’s disease, pseudo-obstruction and abnormal intestinal barrier function. We are also currently studying the potential of isolating and transplanting neuronal stem cells into the intestine for the treatment of intestinal neuropathies such as Hirschsprung’s disease.

We also perform clinical research studies to understand the natural history and treatment outcomes of motility disorders, including gastroparesis, intestinal pseudo-obstruction and intractable constipation.

Frontiers in Pediatrics Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition 2013

This course is designed to meet one or more of the following Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education competencies: Patient care; Medical knowledge; Practice-based learning and improvement; Interpersonal and communication skills; Professionalism; Systems-based practice

MGHfC Pediatric Neurogastroenterology Program

Phone: 617-726-0270
Fax: 617-726-2167

Public Transportation Access: yes
Disabled Access: yes

To schedule an appointment with a MassGeneral for Children pediatric specialist, please call 888-644-3248 or complete our online appointment form to request an appointment.

Physicians may call 888-644-3211 or use the online referral form and the Access & New Appointment Center will call your patient within 1 business day.