Pediatric gastrointestinal and liver diseases

When a child is referred to the Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital, we discuss with the parents and the child what steps we will take to find an explanation for the symptoms (diagnosis). Examinations may be performed, such as a blood test, stool test, ultrasound, or gastrocolonoscopy. Once the explanation is found, we create a plan to treat the illness. This treatment may consist of, for example, advice on a healthy lifestyle, relaxation techniques, a special diet, medication, or surgery.

What are gastroscopy and colonoscopy?
Sometimes an endoscopic examination is necessary. A 'gastroscopy' is performed through the mouth. We then examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. A 'colonoscopy' is performed through the rectum. We then examine the large intestine. The child is under general anesthesia during these examinations and does not feel a thing. Subsequently, the child is admitted to the day treatment unit.

We create the treatment plan together with the parents. If the child is older than 12, we also do this together with the child. Sometimes multiple treatments are possible. In that case, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these treatments so that a choice can be made together.

Healthy lifestyle

For an increasing number of diseases, advice is given regarding a healthy lifestyle. Nutrition, exercise, and a good balance between activity and rest are important for a healthy lifestyle. For instance, irritable bowel syndrome is common in children. In such cases, relaxation techniques (hypnotherapy) can be used.

Sometimes a diet can help, for example as a treatment for gluten intolerance. Or as part of the treatment, alongside medication, such as for Crohn's disease.

If necessary, we administer medication. We do this in consultation with the parents and the child. We explain how the medication works and what the possible side effects are.

An outpatient appointment

An outpatient appointment with the pediatric gastroenterologist at the Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital takes place in the Stad Department. The doctor's assistant measures and weighs the child, and sometimes blood tests need to be performed.

Children with gastrointestinal or liver diseases sometimes need medication via an intravenous drip. This can usually be done in the day treatment unit. This is also available on the Stad ward.

Admitted to the hospital

Sometimes children need to be admitted to the Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital. Children with gastrointestinal and liver diseases are admitted to either Bos or Strand.

Why scientific research?

The ultimate goal of our scientific research is to discover how gastrointestinal and liver diseases develop and which factors play a role in this. The ultimate goal is that these diseases can be cured or even prevented in the future.

Celiac disease

We conduct extensive research into celiac disease. We want to know who is at the greatest risk of developing celiac disease and which factors play a role in the onset of the disease. These can include hereditary factors, for example, or factors from the environment or the immune system. We are investigating this in the PreventCD study . We are also conducting research into the fastest and best way to diagnose celiac disease. Click here for more information about this research.

Immune system in celiac disease and inflammatory bowel diseases

Together with Frits Koning's research group, we are conducting research into the immune system in people with celiac disease and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).

Inflammation of the intestine or liver after stem cell transplantation

We also collaborate with the Department of Pediatric Stem Cell Transplantation at the Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital. Children who receive a stem cell transplant can develop an inflammatory reaction in the intestines or liver. This is called graft-versus-host disease. We conduct research into the (early) diagnosis and treatment of graft-versus-host disease.