Gastroenterology, Liver and Nutrition (Pediatrics)

The gastrointestinal (GI) system is responsible for the balance between the body, food, and environmental contaminants; it has an essential role in illness and wellness. A lack of balance can lead to different diseases, particularly in children.

The Gastroenterology, Liver, and Nutrition Unit treat babies, toddlers, children, and adolescents suffering from a broad range of digestive disorders, including chronic stomachaches; diarrhea or constipation; lactose intolerance; food allergies (such as milk intolerance or gluten allergies—celiac disease); malabsorption disorders; inflammatory intestinal illnesses; obesity or underweight conditions; failure to thrive;  or acute or chronic liver problems.

Progressive medical care

The interdisciplinary team offers specialty pediatric medical, nursing, and dietary services; testing, such as endoscopies, gastroscopies, and colonoscopies; polypectomies; and foreign body removal. The unit also performs digestive system motility testing; such as manometry (muscle pressure measurement) of the esophagus and rectum; esophageal acidity (pH) testing; feeding tube insertion; percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube (PEG) insertion; and liver biopsies.

International research and education

The unit conducts research in a variety of disciplines, publishing findings nationally and globally. Physicians share their expertise by instructing students and physicians on a range of GI topics.

Boosting nutritional knowledge

Nutrition plays and essential role in childhood growth and development—during each life stage: infancy, early childhood, and adolescence. With chronic illnesses, such as failure to thrive; nutrient malabsorption; allergies or food sensitivities; inflammatory intestinal diseases; liver diseases; or other conditions, the nutritional menu has a large influence on children’s health. The Gastrointestinal Unit offers important consultation for both illness-related diet and for full potential for recovery and growth can be realized.

Treating failure to thrive (FTT)

Failure to thrive—poor weight gain, delayed growth and physical development—is a common condition among toddlers and children. The causes may include celiac disease, food malabsorption, difficulty with swallowing or feeding, or psychological problems. The professional pediatric GI staff diagnoses the source of the problem, conducting a comprehensive evaluation and diagnostic testing. Therapeutic recommendations are then made based on the disease, the age of the child, and other important factors. If the problem’s source cannot be identified, the child is monitored by a physician, nutritional counseling is provided, and detailed recommendations for caring for the child are provided.

Specialty GI clinics

• Constipation
• Endoscopy and other diagnostic testing
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Pediatric liver disease

Diagnostic Tests and Procedures

When necessary, the Pediatric Gastroenterology Institute performs a range of diagnostic and minimally invasive procedures, including gastroscopy, colonoscopy, motility studies, esophageal and rectal manometry, and esophageal pH monitoring.

Additional procedures include various breath tests, endoscopic placement of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube for enteral feeding, and liver biopsies.

All tests and procedures are specially adapted for children and performed in a supportive, child-friendly environment, under general anesthesia or sedation when required. Parents can accompany their children, with medical clowns also available to help make the experience more comfortable.

Pediatric Gastroenterology Tests

• Gastroscopy in children
• Non-invasive tests for diagnosing gastrointestinal diseases in children
• Esophageal pH monitoring in children
• Diagnosis and evaluation of liver diseases in children

Associated medical units

Pediatric Gastroenterology Clinic

The clinic provides diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up for common gastrointestinal conditions in children, including:

• Celiac disease – diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing follow-up.
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, with endoscopic evaluation and medical, nutritional, and psychological treatment when needed.
• Other gastrointestinal conditions – including gastroesophageal reflux, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and other common disorders.
• Anemia associated with gastrointestinal disorders.

Pediatric Liver Disease Clinic

The clinic provides diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of liver diseases in children. Advanced diagnostic methods include blood tests, molecular testing, and advanced imaging technologies.

Pediatric Nutrition and Obesity Clinic

The clinic treats children aged 3–16 who are overweight or obese. A multidisciplinary team provides a comprehensive initial assessment, followed by an individualized treatment plan, guidance, and follow-up. The team includes specialists in pediatrics, pediatric gastroenterology, pediatric nutrition, and child and adolescent psychology.

Early Childhood Feeding Disorders Clinic

The clinic treats infants and young children with feeding disorders and failure to thrive (FTT), characterized by inadequate weight gain and impaired growth. Causes may include celiac disease, malabsorption, swallowing or feeding difficulties, and psychological or behavioral factors.

Early diagnosis and treatment are important for healthy growth and development. Care is provided by a multidisciplinary team to ensure comprehensive and timely assessment and treatment.

Nutrition Clinic

Nutrition plays an essential role in children’s growth and development. The clinic provides comprehensive nutritional counseling for children with chronic illnesses, failure to thrive, malabsorption, food allergies or sensitivities, and other medical conditions.

Nutritional care is integrated with medical treatment to create an individualized diet that meets each child’s specific needs.

Pediatric Polyposis Syndrome Clinic

The clinic provides diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up for children with genetically related gastrointestinal polyposis syndromes. Follow-up may include blood tests, endoscopic examinations, and removal of polyps when necessary.

IBD Transition Clinic for Adolescents

The clinic is designed for adolescents and young adults aged 17–20 with inflammatory bowel disease, providing close follow-up and continuity of care during the transition from pediatric to adult healthcare services.

Pediatric and Adolescent Lipid Clinic

The first multidisciplinary clinic of its kind in Israel, providing diagnosis and treatment for children and adolescents with lipid disorders who are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease at a young age.