Our team of clinical gastroenterologists provides diagnostic evaluation and testing for stomach, intestinal, colonic, liver, pancreatic and nutritional illnesses. In addition, our registered nurses, trained in pediatrics as well as gastrointestinal and nutritional problems, offer valuable advice and guidance during and after your visit.
You and your child have special concerns so we provide as much education and information as possible. We have made one of our printed brochures (Constipation: A Parent’s Guide) available on the web as a PDF document. To read PDF documents, you will need to have the free Acrobat Reader software from Adobe.
The division welcomes physician, patient, and family inquiries. To speak with a physician, to consult about a patient or to refer a patient, call 314-454-6173.
What to expect
At your appointment, you and your child will be interviewed about your child’s current symptoms, history, your family medical history and your child’s current educational, social and psychological status. Generally, special tests like X-rays or ultrasound exams are not scheduled in advance of your first visit. Your child can eat normally before your appointment unless you are advised otherwise by our staff.
You will be asked to bring medical records and X-rays. It is very important that you bring the X-rays themselves (as well as written X-ray reports) for any radiological tests that have been done, including ultrasound, CT scans and MRI scans.
Your child will be weighed and measured, and for children 3 years and older, blood pressure is taken. Your child also will have a complete physical examination. Adolescents are asked to wear a hospital gown for the exam while younger children can usually be examined by careful shifting of clothing. In addition, your child may receive a digital rectal examination. Reassurance from you or the nurse during this procedure makes your child more comfortable. During the first appointment, blood, urine or stool samples also may be requested.
The gastroenterologist will discuss the findings from your child’s medical history and physical exam and may recommend additional testing or treatment based on the diagnosis. In addition, we will provide your primary care physician a complete report about the visit, potential diagnoses and any plans for further testing.
More detailed information is available regarding specific procedures.