Complex IBD Program
Our program provides expert, team‑based care for children, teens, and young adults with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and complex IBD—bringing medical, surgical, and supportive specialists together.
Coordinated care that simplifies complex IBD
Our program brings medical, surgical, and supportive specialists together so your child receives coordinated care with fewer appointments and a clear plan forward.
Care that grows
We care for children from birth through age 23, supporting them through every stage of growth—including school, college, trade programs, and missionary service. As your child grows, our team continues to coordinate care and helps families plan a smooth transition into adult care when the time is right.
Conditions we treat
We treat a broad range of conditions in our IBD program. Our care is individualized because every child is unique.
Our program works closely with Pediatric Gastroenterology to care for hundreds of children with IBD and other GI conditions—bringing specialized medical expertise into your child’s care plan.
Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the digestive tract. It may cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and growth concerns. Care focuses on reducing inflammation, managing symptoms, and supporting long‑term health.
Familial adenomatous polyposis is a genetic condition that causes many polyps to develop in the colon over time. Care focuses on ongoing monitoring and treatment to reduce complications and protect your child’s long‑term health.
Ileal pouch–anal anastomosis, often called IPAA, is a surgical option for some children with ulcerative colitis when medications are no longer effective. The procedure creates an internal pouch to allow bowel function without a permanent ostomy.
Indeterminate colitis is diagnosed when features of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis overlap. Because the condition can change over time, care focuses on close monitoring and a flexible treatment plan that adjusts as your child’s needs become clearer.
J‑pouch management supports children after IPAA surgery as they adjust to changes in bowel function. Ongoing care focuses on symptom control, nutrition, and quality of life.
Perianal abscesses and fistulas are infections or abnormal connections near the anus that can occur with Crohn’s disease. Treatment focuses on relieving pain, addressing infection, and preventing future problems through coordinated medical and surgical care.
Pouchitis is inflammation of the J‑pouch and may cause increased bowel movements, abdominal pain, or fatigue. Treatment focuses on easing symptoms and protecting long‑term pouch health.
Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation in the lining of the colon and rectum. Children may experience bloody stools, urgency, or abdominal discomfort. Treatment aims to control inflammation, improve daily comfort, and support overall well‑being.
Very early onset IBD occurs in young children and can be more complex than IBD diagnosed later in life. Care often involves specialized evaluation and coordinated support to help guide diagnosis, treatment, and long‑term planning.
Services
We provide a variety of services, including:
Intestinal ultrasound
Endoscopy, colonoscopy, and ileoscopy
Capsule endoscopy
Colostomy and ileostomy
Ileal pouch–anal anastomosis
Abscess incision and drainage
Ileocecectomy
Bowel management
Pelvic floor rehabilitation and physical therapy
National recognition
Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation's best children's hospitals in 11 of 11 pediatric specialties, including gastroenterology and GI surgery.
