Pediatric Gastroenterology

Pediatric Gastroenterology

Pediatric gastroenterology is the branch of medicine that deals with the management of disorders of the childhood digestive system (esophagus, stomach, small and large bowel) as well as supporting organs (liver and pancreas).

At American Hospital, Dubai, the pediatric gastroenterology division, led by Dr. Dalia Belsha, has the expertise in managing the full range of pediatric gastroenterological and nutritional problems. These include:

1. Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s and Ulcerative colitis)
2. Motility disorders (including gastro-esophageal reflux and constipation)
3. Functional disorders (like irritable bowel, recurrent abdominal pain & infant feeding difficulties)
4. Food allergies, eosinophilic gut disease, and intolerance
5. Poor growth and conditions leading to intestinal failure
6. Chronic diarrhea including celiac disease, sugar malabsorption, GI infections, bacterial overgrowth
7. Helicobacter Pylori gastritis and its complication
8. Liver and pancreatic diseases
9. Gastrostomy placements such as in children with neurological problems or extreme feeding disorders

To reach to the right diagnosis we offer the state of art investigations and treatment including pediatric upper GI endoscopy, colonoscopy, biopsies, capsule endoscopy, PEG (gastrostomy placement), MRI of the small bowel (MR enterocolysis), MRCP, urea and hydrogen breath test, colonic transit studies, ph impedance study, and full-thickness biopsy. Our team works closely as an integral unit offering complete assessment and management of common and complex pediatric GI problems. Members of our team include consultant pediatric gastroenterologist, consultant pediatric surgeons, consultant pediatric anesthetist, gastro nurses, endoscopy nurse, dieticians, speech and language therapist, psychologist, consultant radiologist, and consultant pathologist.