Pediatric Gastroenterology
On this page
Why choose UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals for pediatric gastroenterology care?
Whether your child has been diagnosed with a gastrointestinal (GI) condition or you need help for their digestive symptoms, our experts provide care and guidance. We treat a wide range of conditions, including those affecting the digestive tract and organs such as the liver, pancreas and gallbladder.
At UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, children of all ages receive comprehensive, personalized GI care. We offer advanced, minimally invasive GI procedures. These innovative techniques help us diagnose, treat and monitor digestive conditions while keeping your child as comfortable as possible.
If your child needs surgery, our experienced surgeons and anesthesiologists work with your child's gastroenterologists and other providers to provide safe, coordinated surgical care.
Children with chronic GI conditions receive focused care at our specialized clinics, including access to clinical trials. Many of our patients are among the first to benefit from promising new GI therapies.
Why choose UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals for pediatric gastroenterology care?
Whether your child has been diagnosed with a gastrointestinal (GI) condition or you need help for their digestive symptoms, our experts provide care and guidance. We treat a wide range of conditions, including those affecting the digestive tract and organs such as the liver, pancreas and gallbladder.
At UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, children of all ages receive comprehensive, personalized GI care. We offer advanced, minimally invasive GI procedures. These innovative techniques help us diagnose, treat and monitor digestive conditions while keeping your child as comfortable as possible.
If your child needs surgery, our experienced surgeons and anesthesiologists work with your child's gastroenterologists and other providers to provide safe, coordinated surgical care.
Children with chronic GI conditions receive focused care at our specialized clinics, including access to clinical trials. Many of our patients are among the first to benefit from promising new GI therapies.
Chronic GI disease programs
Children with celiac disease, eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease (EGID) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) get specialized care in our programs.Collaborative digestive care
Pediatric GI specialists collaborate to provide seamless, expert care, including diagnostic procedures, medication adjustment and nutritional counseling.Family-centered approach
We guide your family through diagnostic and therapeutic options, helping you make informed treatment decisions that best meet your child's needs.Pediatric GI clinical trials
Your child may have the opportunity to participate in clinical trials, accessing promising new GI treatments that aren't widely available.
Our pediatric GI services
Our team treats a wide range of digestive problems in children, including issues affecting the:
We care for infants, children, teens and young adults up to age 21. Our experts listen to your family's concerns and help you make informed treatment decisions.
In addition to common digestive problems, we provide advanced care for children with complex GI conditions, including intestinal failure requiring IV and tube feedings.
Diagnostic testing and procedures
After reviewing your child's medical history, we may recommend several tests to help us understand what may be causing their digestive symptoms. Tests we may recommend include a:
Breath test
Colon transit study
pH/impedance probe testing
Endoscopic procedures
Your child's provider may also recommend imaging scans or an endoscopic procedure, which enables us to see inside their digestive tract. We help your child feel comfortable and supported before, during and after the procedure.
We will discuss which type of endoscopy is right for your child. We may recommend:
Upper endoscopy
Transnasal endoscopy
Triple scope procedure
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
Endoscopic procedures can help us diagnose and treat:
Chronic gastrointestinal infections
Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting
Unexplained weight loss
Inflammatory and allergic gastrointestinal disorders
Diarrheal and motility disorders
Feeding and swallowing problems
Malabsorption syndromes
Chronic disease care
Experts in our GI specialty programs provide condition-specific care to children with chronic diseases affecting their GI tract. We help your child manage symptoms, access leading treatments and get the resources they need.
Our specialty GI programs are available to children with:
Intensive feeding and nutrition disorders
Multispecialty pediatric GI treatments
Managing GI symptoms often requires the collaboration of several experts. We provide highly coordinated care and tailored treatments to help your child feel their best.
Your child's care team may include:
Gastroenterologists
Hepatologists (liver specialists)
Dietitians
Pharmacists
Therapists
Pain medicine specialists
Surgeons
Nutrition counseling and support
Your child's gastroenterologist may refer you to a dietitian. Our dietitians provide medical nutrition therapy (MNT) to children of all ages with pediatric GI conditions. We work with families to create nutrition therapy plans to manage chronic GI conditions and help your child feel their best.
When needed, social workers and case managers help address food insecurity and make sure your child gets the at-home medical supplies they may need, such as feeding tubes and formulas.
Care for children with intensive feeding and nutrition disorders
Children with complex GI issues, such as dysphagia (swallowing disorders), receive personalized, attentive care in our specialized program for children with intensive feeding and nutrition disorders. We care for children who may rely on formula or a feeding tube for their nutrition. Our team develops a treatment plan to help meet their nutritional needs.
Related services
Locations (dynamic)
Providers (dynamic)
Addison Cuneo, MD
Pediatric Gastroenterology
Sabina Ali, MD
Pediatric Gastroenterology
Emily R. Perito, MD, MA
Pediatric Gastroenterology • Pediatric Transplant Hepatology
James Bayrer, MD, PhD
Pediatric Gastroenterology
Awards & achievements
Best in Northern California and top 10 in the nation for gastroenterology & GI surgery
Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties
Related conditions & treatments
Conditions
- Celiac Disease
- Digestive Disorders
- Dysphagia
- Feeding Problems
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Intestinal Failure (IF)
- Malabsorption
- Abdominal Pain
- Constipation
Treatments
- Colonoscopy
- Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition
- Esophageal Manometry
- Feeding Tube Management
- Liver Biopsy
- Nutritional Counseling
- Swallowing Evaluation
- Diet and Nutrition
Trials & research
Clinical trials
A Study to Learn More About How Risankizumab Works in Young Participants With Ulcerative ColitisOpens in a new window
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and bleeding from the lining of the rectum and colon (large intestine). This study will assess how Risankizumab moves through the body as well as how safe and effective it is in treating pediatric participants with moderate to severely active UC. Adverse events and change in disease activity will be assessed...Crohn's Disease: Efficacy, Safety, and Pharmacokinetics of Upadacitinib in Pediatric Subjects With Moderately to Severely Active Crohn's DiseaseOpens in a new window
Crohn's disease (CD) is a long-lasting disease that causes severe inflammation (redness, swelling), in the digestive tract, most often affecting the bowels. It can cause many different symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhea, tiredness, and weight loss...A Study to Assess Adverse Events, Change in Disease Activity, and How Intravenous and Subcutaneous Risankizumab Moves Through the Body of Pediatric Participants With Moderately to Severely Active Crohn's DiseaseOpens in a new window
Crohn's Disease (CD) is a gastrointestinal disease that can cause chronic diarrhea with or without gross bleeding, abdominal pain, weight loss, and fever. This study will assess the pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of risankizumab in pediatric participants with moderately to severely active CD aged 2 to < 18 years old who have had intolerance or inadequate response to other therapies...Clinical, Imaging, and Endoscopic Outcomes of Children Newly Diagnosed With Crohn's DiseaseOpens in a new window
Crohn's disease (CD) is a condition that causes inflammation (swelling, redness) of the lining and wall of the small intestine, large intestine, or both. CD may be associated with abdominal cramps/pain, diarrhea, blood in the stool, weight loss, or delayed growth in children...
Support services
Child Life
Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.
Family Amenities
Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.
Social Services at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.
Activity Rooms
Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.
Pediatric Art Therapy Program
Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.
Pediatric Music Therapy Program
Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.
School Program for Hospitalized Children
Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.
School Re-Entry Program
We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.
Individual Playtime & Instruction
If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.
Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.
Parent Support Program
Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.
Patient Relations at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.
Spiritual Care at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.
International Services at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.