Why Nationwide Children's?

The children and families who entrust their care to us have access to a team of internationally recognized experts from colorectal surgery, gastroenterology/motility, urology and gynecology, as well as neurosurgery and orthopedics and a specially trained team of nurses and nurse practitioners. Our medical and surgical directors include:

Richard J. Wood

Richard Wood, MD, is the Chief of the Section of Pediatric Colorectal & Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Director of the Center for Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction and assistant professor of Pediatric Surgery at The Ohio State University.

Geri D. Hewitt

Geri D. Hewitt, MD, is Chief of the Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Nationwide Children's Hospital and a Professor of Clinical Obstetrics in the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine.

Daniel G. DaJusta

Daniel G. DaJusta, MD, is a surgeon in the Section of Urology and the Director of Urologic Surgery for the Center for Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction at Nationwide Children's Hospital.

Desalegn T. Yacob

Desale Yacob, MD, is an attending pediatric gastroenterologist, Medical Director of the Motility Center and Director of Gastroenterology and Motility for the Center for Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction at Nationwide Children's Hospital.

Speak With Our Team

After surgery, some children with imperforate anus may still struggle with controlling their bowel movements. Our custom approach to bowel management provides patients and patient families with an action plan to overcome this problem.

The Bowel Management Bootcamp is a set of treatments designed to keep a child free from stool accidents, so that he or she may be able to wear normal underwear and participate in normal activities. The Bowel Management team will work together to decide the best treatment for your child.

The Bowel Management Bootcamp is a seven-day outpatient program for children dealing with incontinence. Patients and families will end the week equipped with:

• An understanding of how continence works
• Information on why fecal incontinence happens in children and adolescents with imperforate anus
• A proven, customized treatment plan for each child

Speak With Our Team

A children’s hospital is the ideal place for children with colorectal malformations and other congenital conditions to get care. These unique conditions can continue to impact life in adolescence and adulthood, but adult-focused physicians are often unfamiliar with the types of surgical and medical care they require. It is crucial for children to learn how to become active participants in their care, as well as to find adult providers who can offer appropriate care.

Transition of Care Program

The CCPR has a Transition of Care Program, the first of its kind in the U.S., led by Dr. Alessandra Gasior. Dr. Gasior is the first surgeon to have completed a fellowship in both pediatric and adult colorectal care.

Dr. Gasior is available to provide expert surgical and medical colorectal care for congenital or pediatric conditions as patients transition to adulthood. The Transition of Care Program works to develop a care network for growing children, so that they can become familiar with their new team of providers while still having comprehensive, expert colorectal care available to them.

The goal of this Program is to empower patients to take ownership of their care at a young age—usually 12 years old—so that by the time they reach 16-18 years old, they are ready to transition to the adult care setting. The clinic also welcomes any adult patient living with colorectal malformations or congenital conditions to help them get back on track with medical regimens and provide long-term care coordination.