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Dr. Marc Levitt treats baby colorectal patient accompanied by parents.

Pediatric Colorectal & Pelvic Reconstruction

Gastroenterology & GI Surgery
Dr. Marc Levitt treats baby colorectal patient accompanied by parents.
Our commitment to improving the quality of life for children with pediatric colorectal conditions is shown through a seamless and personalized continuum of care—from diagnosis to treatment, all the way through rehabilitation and aftercare.

Our Providers

Our pediatric specialists provide personalized care for your child’s physical, mental and emotional health needs.

Contact Information

For appointments, please call 1-888-884-BEAR (2327) and for information, call 202-476-2656.

Why Choose Us for Pediatric Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction?

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As the only pediatric colorectal and pelvic reconstructive program in the nation with this level of expertise, there are many reasons to choose Children’s National for your child’s treatment and care. In addition to our integrated team, we offer:

  • Access to the most experienced and renowned pediatric colorectal specialists in the field.
  • Exceptional surgical expertise for even the most complex colorectal disorders.
  • Dedicated, compassionate nurses, nurse practitioners and physician associates who are specially-trained in caring for patients with complex pediatric colorectal disorders.
  • The latest advanced diagnostic and surgical treatment, using minimally invasive techniques.
  • A comprehensive Bowel Management Program to help achieve optimal bowel function.
  • Colorectal care for life through the Colorectal Transition Program
Textbook cover image of Dr. Marc Levitt's Cloacal Malformations Case Studies book

Dr. Levitt's Expertise in Cloacal Malformation

Over the past 25 years, Marc Levitt, M.D., has performed over 1,000 Posterior Sagittal Anorectal Vagino-Urethroplasties, (PSARVUPs) for patients with a cloacal malformation. This is the most technically difficult pediatric colorectal operation and requires unique experience and expertise. This number exceeds any other pediatric colorectal surgeon in the world. Dr. Levitt has also authored the textbook on the subject (shown above).

Textbook cover image of Dr. Marc Levitt's Cloacal Malformations Case Studies book

Colorectal Procedures By the Numbers

Marc Levitt, M.D., and the Division of Colorectal & Pelvic Reconstruction at Children’s National Hospital are leading the world in caring for pediatric patients with colon, rectal and pelvic conditions. In addition to the procedures listed here, the team also has vast experience in “redo” operations or surgeries.  These “redo” surgeries are needed when a patient’s previous surgery took place at another hospital, and now the anatomy needs corrections to improve the possibility of bowel control.

Dr. Levitt and the team at Children’s National have performed over:

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300+

Posterior Sagittal Anorectoplasties (PSARPs) since 2019 | This procedure is a repair for children with imperforate anus/anorectal malformations (ARM).

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200+

Pull-Through Surgeries since 2019 | This procedure is for patients with Hirschsprung's disease. We handle one to two such cases per week.

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50+

Malone Appendicostomies annually | This operation helps children with fecal incontinence, ultimately helping some achieve their own bowel control.

Our Unique Approach to Pediatric Colorectal Disorders

A Venn diagram with 5 circles showing the intersection between GI/Motility, Urology, Colorectal, Gynecology--with the Division of Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction in the circle at the center.

Integrated Care

Our multidisciplinary Division of Pediatric Colorectal & Pelvic Reconstruction integrates services across all the specialties that provide care for colorectal conditions in children. Colorectal procedures are often combined with urologic and gynecologic procedures to minimize the amount of surgeries a child may require.

Our division is led by world-renowned pediatric colorectal surgeon, Marc Levitt, M.D., who has expertise in treating the full spectrum of pediatric colorectal conditions and has performed over 15,000 surgeries — more than any other surgeon trained in pediatric colorectal surgery worldwide. Learn more about Dr. Levitt and our Division of Colorectal & Pelvic Reconstruction.

Our collaborative approach offers treatment from experts across multiple medical disciplines, including:

Our medical team discusses individual patient cases during weekly conferences to create a customized treatment plan that addresses each child’s unique needs. Our surgeons are accustomed to performing multiple, complex procedures at the same. Parents and families work closely with our specialists to receive education about their child’s colorectal disorder, discuss diagnostic and treatment options and engage in a shared decision-making process. Learn how you can help your child prepare for surgical procedures (PDF).
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Getting Ready for Your First Appointment?

To streamline the process, we strongly encourage that you complete our intake form. Once your child’s medical records have been received, we will review their information and contact you to schedule an appointment.

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Ask Dr. Levitt About Your Child's Diagnosis

Was your newborn child recently diagnosed with an anorectal malformation, imperforate anus, cloaca or Hirschsprung's disease? If so, Marc Levitt, M.D., is here to provide answers to your questions.

Our Specialized Programs

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Bowel Management Program

We offer a comprehensive Bowel Management Program that provides customized treatment for children who experience fecal incontinence.

Dr. Erin Teeple, director of the Colorectal Transition Program, advises a patient and her mother

Colorectal Transition Program

The Colorectal Transition Program helps children with congenital or acquired colorectal conditions transition their care from pediatric care providers to adult care providers.

Dr. Erin Teeple, director of the Colorectal Transition Program, advises a patient and her mother

Treatments & Resources

Review these materials to find out more about the diagnosis, treatment and other aspects of your child's condition.

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Caring for Your Child's Colorectal Disorder

Learn how to care for your child from diagnosis to treatment, all the way through long-term aftercare.

Pediatric Colorectal & Pelvic Reconstruction team (and a dog) pose in front of a Children's National sign.

Colorectal Employee Stories

Learn about the stories and experiences of team members in the colorectal program.

Pediatric Colorectal & Pelvic Reconstruction team (and a dog) pose in front of a Children's National sign.

Patient Stories