International Center for Colorectal and Urogenital Care

The International Center for Colorectal and Urogenital Care at Children's Hospital Colorado evaluates and treats patients with colorectal and urogenital conditions. Our team of multidisciplinary professionals are here for patients and their families living with conditions such as anorectal malformations, imperforate anus, cloaca, cloacal exstrophy, Hirschsprung disease and fecal incontinence and constipation related to other diagnoses. Our experts strive for earlier prenatal diagnosis, a unified model of care and improved ongoing treatment for our patients. We understand that these colorectal and urogenital conditions can be overwhelming, which is why we offer world-renowned care and a lifetime of support.

^{From left to right: Alberto Peña, MD; Andrea Bischoff, MD; Luis De La Torre, MD; Veronica Alaniz, MD; Duncan Wilcox, MD.}

Our Center is here to support international patients with personalized care from pioneers in the field. Our fully dedicated pediatric colorectal surgeons have the most experience in the world in treating these conditions, as well as the largest database of patients with congenital colorectal conditions. All of this makes it possible for us to provide world-class care for children with complex colorectal and urogenital conditions.

Colorectal services we offer

At the International Center for Colorectal and Urogenital Care, we offer a wide range of care for patients with colorectal and urogenital conditions. Our services include initial diagnosis, prenatal support and delivery, surgical consultations, treatment and procedures, recovery care and lifelong support. We also offer psychological support for patients and families struggling with a new diagnosis or any issues related to living with a colorectal or urogenital condition.

Colorectal surgery and procedures

Our Center is home to Alberto Peña, MD, creator of the posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) procedure, as well as the posterior sagittal anorectal vaginal urethral plasty (PSARVUP) procedure for reconstruction of cloacal malformations; and Luis De La Torre, MD, creator of the transanal approach for Hirschsprung disease. We offer surgical treatments for colorectal and urogenital conditions within a multidisciplinary setting, which includes gynecology and urology specialists. For those in need of lifelong enema administration, we perform the antegrade continence enema (ACE) procedure (also known as Malone appendicostomy or Neo-appendicostomy).

Bowel and bladder support

In addition to surgical treatments, we offer ongoing bowel and bladder support. We take a unique approach to treatment for these conditions, which is why we offer:

• Enema support
• Bowel management "training"
• Intermittent catheterization (procedure using a thin tube called a catheter to urinate several times throughout the day)
• Psychological support (video)
• Adult transition support

Why choose Children's Colorado?

At the International Center for Colorectal and Urogenital Care, we are world-renowned experts in the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal and urogenital problems. Our Center is designed to support patients and families through each stage of a child's life. Patients and families will have access to a multidisciplinary team that includes experts from all the pediatric specialties needed to treat complex colorectal and urogenital conditions.

Our colorectal team is led by Dr. Peña, an internationally renowned pediatric colorectal surgeon. He has transformed colorectal treatment by introducing the PSARP procedure, also known as the "pull-through procedure." This method is widely used by top surgeons all over the world and has since been adapted to treat multiple conditions.

A lifetime of treatment for colorectal and urogenital problems all on one campus

Children with colorectal and urogenital conditions may continue to be challenged with bowel, gynecological and urological problems throughout their life. We partner with the University of Colorado Hospital so that as children age out of pediatric care, we help them transition into adult care without missing a beat – right on the Anschutz Medical Campus.

In addition, we understand our female patients may need help as they think about starting families of their own. Children's Colorado is also home to the Colorado Fetal Care Center, which allows our colorectal surgeons to be involved in everything from fertility to delivery.

Contact us

Please contact us for services that range from prenatal consultations to delivery of patients with anorectal malformations, in addition to pediatric and adult colorectal surgery and bowel management.

To speak to one of our doctors directly, please feel free to email them: Andrea Bischoff, MD; Luis De La Torre, MD; Alberto Peña, MD.

Phone: 720-777-9880
Fax: 720-777-7891