The Crucial Role of Colorectal Programs

Hirschsprung disease. Anorectal and colorectal malformations. These are some of the most challenging surgical problems encountered in young children. The precision of surgical technique required to achieve optimal outcomes takes many years, if not decades, to develop. Colorectal surgery has become a subspecialty in pediatric surgery, requiring close collaboration with other specialists. At Children's Hospital Colorado, we offer this care through our International Center for Colorectal and Urogenital Care, and our surgical team has some of the most experience in the world.

In this episode, we are joined by Andrea Bischoff, MD, and Luis De la Torre-Mondragon, MD. They both specialize in pediatric surgery at Children's Colorado and are associate professors of surgery and pediatrics with a specialty in colorectal surgery at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Dr. Bischoff is also the Medical Director of the International Center for Colorectal and Urogenital Care here at Children's Colorado.

Some highlights from this episode include:

• The importance of pediatric colorectal programs.
• A discussion of when surgical intervention is necessary.
• A look at what procedures are offered at Children's Colorado and how they work.
• The role primary care providers can play as it pertains to identification, referral and care of patients who might need colorectal surgery.

For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org.