Pediatric Gastroenterology

Pediatric Gastroenterology Conditions We Treat

The Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition Division of Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital is comprised of team of specialists expertly trained in the care of children with the following illnesses:

• Abdominal pain (acute and chronic)
• Acute and chronic disorders of the pancreas
• Allergic gastrointestinal disorders
• Constipation, diarrhea & vomiting
• Esophageal swallowing disorders
• Inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g. Crohn’s disease and colitis)
• Gastrointestinal bleeding disorders
• Gastrointestinal infections
• Gastrointestinal motility disorders (e.g. gastroparesis and achalasis)
• Liver and hepatobiliary diseases
• Nutritional disorders (e.g. failure to thrive, celiac disease, gastrointestinal malapsorption)
• Peptic ulcer disease

Pediatric Gastroenterology Services and Procedures

 All Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition services are provided in consultation with Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital’s other pediatric subspecialty divisions (e.g. pediatric nephrology, pediatric urology, etc.) when appropriate.

• Anorectal Manometry
  Anorectal manometry is a technique used to measure contractility of the anus and rectum. It is used to evaluate patients with constipation and fecal incontinence.
• Esophageal Manometry
  Esophageal manometry is a test to assess motor function of the upper esophageal sphincter, esophageal body and lower esophageal sphincter. It has been used to evaluate obscure causes of chest pain and dysphagia (trouble swallowing) including achalasia, diffuse esophageal spasm and nutcracker esophagus.
• Capsule Endoscopy
  The best method to visualize the small intestine, an area not reached by routine endoscopic procedures. A tiny wireless camera that sits inside a vitamin-sized capsule is swallowed by the patient. The camera takes thousands of pictures that are transmitted by a recorder worn by the patient on a belt around the waist.  The entire small bowel can be visualized via this diagnostic method.
• Multichannel Intraluminal Impedance (MII)
  The most advanced method to evaluate gastroesophageal reflux. It is a procedure for measuring the movement of fluids, solids and air in the esophagus. Previously, esophageal pH testing was performed which evaluated changes in esophageal pH to monitor acid gastroesophageal reflux. Combined MII and pH testing detects both acid and non-acid reflux.
• Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy
  An endoscopic procedure in which a PEG tube is placed into the patient’s stomach through the abdominal wall to provide a means of feeding when oral intake is not adequate. The procedure is an alternative to surgical gastrostomy insertion.

Maria Fareri Children's Hospital Pediatric Gastroenterology Team

Stuart Berezin, MD

• Pediatrics, Gastroenterology

Natasha Bamji, MD

• Pediatrics, Gastroenterology

Howard Bostwick, MD

• Pediatrics, Gastroenterology

Lynnette Cukaj , MD

• Pediatrics, Gastroenterology

Michael Halata, MD

• Pediatrics, Gastroenterology

Richard Rosencrantz, MD
Medical Director, Pediatric Liver Transplantation
Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics

• Pediatrics, Gastroenterology

Mary Celaine See, MD

• Pediatrics, Gastroenterology