Chronic conditions that affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract or liver can impact many aspects of a child’s life – keeping them from their favorite activities and even interfering with school. The gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition team at WVU Medicine Children’s understands that kids just want to be kids. That’s why we’re committed to working together to find answers and relief for your child.
Our team is the largest in the state with three gastroenterologists and three nurse practitioners. Once a referral is made by your pediatrician, we’ll work with you to get your child in the office for their first appointment as quickly as possible.
At WVU Medicine Children’s, we have many tools and resources to help your child feel better. In addition to a full range of standard GI services, we are also the only center in the state that participates in ImproveCareNow. This national network connects families and children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to the resources and tools that help them better manage their condition. It also provides information on the latest advances in IBD treatment and management, and how you can find quality care for your child.
We also offer in-office FibroScans. This specialized ultrasound technology can track fibrosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and other liver conditions. One of our gastroenterologists is board-certified in acupuncture, which can be used to treat a variety of gastrointestinal disorders.
Wherever you live, you can take comfort in knowing that you can access high-quality care through telemedicine services. We offer telemedicine services in Martinsburg and Weirton. Telemedicine allows a gastroenterologist to meet with you and your child over video conferencing with a nurse practitioner in office. Additional telemedicine sites are anticipated soon.
Conditions We Treat
We treat many gastroenterology and hepatology conditions, including:
- Celiac disease
- Chronic abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Crohn’s disease
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty with weight gain and nutrition
- Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)
- Liver disease
- Jaundice
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Pancreatitis (acute and chronic)
- Reflux
- Short-bowel disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Vomiting
Treatments and Services
Our team offers many treatments and services for children diagnosed with gastrointestinal or liver-related conditions. Treatments and services include:
- Upper GI endoscopy (EGD)
- Colonoscopy
- Polypectomy
- Gastronomy tube placement and management
- Liver biopsy
- Video capsule endoscopy
- pH-impedance monitoring
- Breath hydrogen testing for infection or lactose/sugar malabsorption
- FibroScan
- Balloon dilation of GI tract strictures
- Acupuncture
A dietitian is available to consult with children and families on certain days. You can see the dietitian with your provider or ask to schedule a separate appointment.
Resources
Managing a chronic condition, like a digestive disease, requires ongoing support and education. Here are a few of our favorite resources to help patients and families take control of their diagnosis.