Will my child need an ostomy?

Some conditions require a temporary ostomy to let the bowel heal. When one is needed, it is usually reversed later, and we support you fully in caring for it.

Will my child be toilet trained normally?

Many children achieve good continence. Some need ongoing bowel management, which we help design and adjust.

Is constipation ever a surgical problem?

Occasionally, when medical treatment has failed or an underlying anatomic cause is found.

How often will we see you?

Colorectal conditions are often long-term relationships. We schedule follow-up as frequently as your child needs.

Abdominal & Digestive

Gentle care for the lower digestive tract

Colorectal surgery covers conditions of the colon, rectum, and anus, from problems present at birth such as Hirschsprung disease and anorectal malformations to issues like chronic constipation, fissures, and inflammatory bowel disease. These conditions can be embarrassing for children and stressful for parents. We approach them with sensitivity and a long-term view.

Book a consultation (805) 372-8500

Anatomical illustration of the large intestine, colon and rectum

Typical age: Newborns through teens
Procedure time: Varies; often 1-3 hours
Hospital stay: Same day to several days
Back to play: Usually within one to two weeks

Signs & symptoms

What families usually notice

Every child is different. These are the most common reasons families come to us about colorectal surgery.

Newborn not passing stool
A baby who does not pass meconium in the first day or two may need evaluation for Hirschsprung disease or a blockage.
Anus that looks different
Anorectal malformations are usually noticed at birth and are planned for carefully.
Constipation that will not improve
Severe, long-standing constipation despite good medical treatment sometimes benefits from a surgical evaluation.
Pain or bleeding with stool
Fissures, polyps, or inflammation can cause bright red blood or pain.
Inflammatory bowel disease
Some children with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis need surgery when medicines are not enough.

When to call, and when to go straight in

Go to the emergency room or call 911 for a swollen, hard belly with vomiting, a newborn who has not passed stool and is feeding poorly, heavy rectal bleeding, or high fever with belly pain. For ongoing constipation, small amounts of blood, or questions about a known condition, call our office.

How we treat it

Dr. Frykman's approach

Minimally invasive wherever it is the safest choice, and a plan you can understand and take home.

01
Minimally invasive whenever possible
Many colorectal operations, including pull-through procedures for Hirschsprung disease, can be done laparoscopically or through the anus with no visible scars.
02
Bowel management, not just surgery
For constipation and continence, a structured bowel program often helps as much as any operation, and we build one with you.
03
Partnership with GI specialists
I work closely with pediatric gastroenterologists so medical and surgical care fit together.
04
Dignity at every age
Older children and teens are included in conversations in an age-appropriate, respectful way.

What to expect

Before, during and after

Before
Getting the full picture
Depending on the condition, this may include a contrast study, a small biopsy, or motility testing. We explain what each test tells us.
Day of surgery
Tailored to your child
Procedures range from short outpatient treatments to staged reconstructions. You will know exactly what is planned and how long it should take.
Recovery
Healing and settling into a routine
Bowel habits can take weeks to settle after colorectal surgery. We stay closely involved and adjust the plan as your child heals.

Recovery

Getting back to being a kid

Diet advances gradually from liquids to normal foods.
Gentle skin care around the bottom helps prevent irritation.
Stool patterns often change at first and improve with time.
Follow-up visits check healing and fine-tune any bowel program.
Call for fever, vomiting, or a belly that becomes swollen.

Questions

What parents ask us

Still wondering about something? Bring every question to the consultation. Nothing is too small.

Some conditions require a temporary ostomy to let the bowel heal. When one is needed, it is usually reversed later, and we support you fully in caring for it.
Many children achieve good continence. Some need ongoing bowel management, which we help design and adjust.
Occasionally, when medical treatment has failed or an underlying anatomic cause is found.
Colorectal conditions are often long-term relationships. We schedule follow-up as frequently as your child needs.