Children's Bowel Diseases

Paediatric Gastroenterology

At Tays, the examination and treatment of gastroenterological diseases in children and adolescents under the age of 16 is centralised in the gastroenterology outpatient clinic and wards. We examine patients suffering from recurrent abdominal pain, constipation, prolonged diarrhoea and haematochezia or problems related to nutrition and eating. We are also responsible for the examination and treatment of pancreatic and hepatic diseases and for the treatment and follow-up of patients who have received a liver transplant.

Diseases and problems examined and treated at Tays include:

  • gastroesophageal reflux disease
  • coeliac disease
  • inflammatory bowel diseases
  • pancreatic and hepatic diseases
  • nutrition-related problems.

Examinations and treatment at Tays

We treat the majority of our patients at the outpatient clinic, but the most severely ill are also in need of hospital treatment on the inpatient ward. Examples of such conditions are the exacerbation stages of an inflammatory bowel disease.

An essential part of the treatment of the patients are endoscopic examinations such as gastroscopy, colonoscopy and capsule endoscopy with the help of which we are able to assess the status of the intestinal mucosa by means of a swallowed capsule camera.

Additionally, we also use imaging studies, such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, and examinations that assess the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, such as oesophageal pH recording, as diagnostic aids. Instructions for preparing for the examinations are sent to the patients beforehand.

Endoscopic examinations on children are usually carried out under anaesthesia. For gastroscopy, the patient comes to the day hospital in the morning of the day of the procedure and can usually be discharged on the same day.

For colonoscopy, the patient is invited to the ward on the day before the procedure for the evacuation of intestinal content. The child is usually discharged after the colonoscopy. However, if the intestinal symptoms are troublesome, the child may be admitted to the ward for a few days for the purpose of administering the necessary medications.

Special expertise at Tays

At Taus, the examination and treatment of children’s gastroenterological diseases is carried out by a multidisciplinary team consisting of gastroenterologists, paediatric surgeons, pathologists and specialists who are in charge of imaging studies, along with nurses, nutritional therapists and psychologists.

The objects of scientific research include coeliac disease and inflammatory bowel diseases in particular.

Persons in charge

Chief of Paediatric Gastroenterology Tarja Ruuska
Specialist Marja-Leena Lähdeaho
Specialist Pauliina Hiltunen