Center for Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction (CCPR)

CCPR Center Directors

Richard J. Wood

Richard Wood, MD, is chief of the Department of Pediatric Colorectal & Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery at Nationwide Children's Hospital.

Daniel G. DaJusta

Daniel G. DaJusta, MD, is a surgeon in the Section of Urology and the Director of Urologic Surgery for the Center for Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction at Nationwide Children's Hospital.

Geri D. Hewitt

Geri D. Hewitt, MD, is the Chief of Gynecology and Obstetrics and the Director of Gynecologic Surgery for the Center for Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction at Nationwide Children's Hospital.

Desalegn T. Yacob

Desale Yacob, MD, is an attending pediatric gastroenterologist, Medical Director of the Motility Center and Director of Gastroenterology and Motility for the Center for Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction at Nationwide Children's Hospital.

Bowel Management Program

The Bowel Management Program is a week-long program for children dealing with constipation and the inability to control stool when it needs to stay inside or leave the body. This is called fecal incontinence, soiling, or having “an accident.” Most patients that enter the Bowel Management Program experience incontinence issues related to:

• Previously repaired anorectal malformations or Hirschsprung disease
• Spinal or sacral disorders that affect the bowel (spina bifida, myelomeningocele, absent sacrum, sacrococcygeal teratoma)
• Motility disorders and those with severe constipation (encopresis)

Patients and families will end the week equipped with:

• An understanding of how continence works
• Information on why some children soil
• A customized, and proven, treatment plan for each child

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Meet Our Patients

Read Adoniya's Story

Name: Adoniya
Condition(s): Multiple Diagnoses

Adoniya’s first few hours of life were unexpectedly challenging. Shortly after birth, her family found out that she was born with a severe defect that occurs during fetal development in a female’s lower abdominal structures. Adoniya was also born with bone, heart and kidney defects.

Read Leah's Story

Name: Leah P.
Condition(s): Idiopathic Constipation
Age Today: 16 Years

Leah was born healthy and beautiful and even though she was continuing to thrive she suffered from severe, debilitating constipation. At almost 4-years-old, she still was not potty-trained.

Read Ella's Story

Name: Ella W.
Condition(s): Colonic Neuropathy Pseudo Obstruction, Rectal Dysmotility
Age Today: 16 Years

After 8 months of surgeries, procedures, testing, nasogastric tubes, physical examines, medications, and more, Ella’s condition remained undiagnosed. Until one day she was referred to Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

Read Kiera's Story

Name: Kiera
Condition(s): Classic Bladder Exstrophy, Imperforate Anus

When you meet Kiera, you meet a tough little girl who loves Disney princesses and superheroes. These two interests perfectly describe her – she is sweet, loving and caring like a Disney princess, but has the determination, strength and fight of a superhero.

Read Evelyn's Story

Name: Evelyn

Evelyn was born in China and needed immediate medical care to survive. She had multiple extensive surgeries in China before the age of two prior to her adoption. Although it was daunting for Evelyn’s adoptive family to know she would need significant and lifelong care, as soon as they saw Evelyn’s face they knew she belonged with them.

Read Christin's Story

Name: Christin L.
Condition(s): Bi-lateral Duplicated Renal Systems, Tethered Cord
Age Today: 18 Years

When Christin was 5, her parents took her to the local doctor in North Carolina because they were not convinced their daughter “just” had the flu. They were right. Christin was dealing with something much bigger.

A Global Destination

A national and international destination, the Center for Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction has treated hundreds of patients from across the United States and around the world with colorectal and pelvic conditions. Globally, we have welcomed patients from dozens of countries, including:

Whether you are traveling from outside the United States or from another state, our Global Patient Services team can help make your trip as seamless as possible. Ready to learn more?

Speak With Our Team

Why Choose Us

Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the leading children’s hospitals for urology, and gastroenterology and GI surgery, our care for your child and family spans more than just your time at our hospital. We know there are a lot of factors to selecting the right care team for your child. Here is what sets us apart:

• Online video consultation. We can schedule a remote video consultation at no cost. From the comfort of your own home you can meet with a nursing coordinator and one of our surgeons. This virtual consultation allows us to learn about your child’s unique needs, and allows you to learn about our program and get your questions answered. Together we can determine if what we offer is the best fit for your family… before you make the decision to travel for your child’s treatment. 
• Experience. Each year, we care for more kids with complex colorectal conditions and perform more colorectal surgeries than any other pediatric health care system in the country. This experience results in better long-term outcomes for our patients. Nationwide Children’s Hospital is also among the top five children’s hospitals based on the U.S. News national survey of “Expert Opinion with Pediatric Specialists” for gastroenterology and GI surgery.
• Complete care. We treat children at all stages of development and address every facet of a child’s well-being. Our team – made up of specialists from urology, gastroenterology, gynecology, behavioral health, social work, and more – work together to provide the best care possible to every child.    
• Leading research. Our team has published more than 120 articles in peer-reviewed journals over the last 10 years. Additionally, we’ve presented more than 100 times to fellow surgeons and medical providers on the best way to treat children with colorectal conditions. 
• Ronald McDonald House. Nationwide Children’s Hospital is home to the world’s second largest Ronald McDonald House. Conveniently located right on our main campus, just steps away from the hospital, the Ronald McDonald House allows you to remain a part of your child’s care team while providing you a home away from home.
• Patient support. Our private Facebook group, CCPR Families, gives you a personal, private connection with other families who are undergoing similar experiences, understand what you are going through and can offer invaluable support. 
• A national and international destination. We’ve treated hundreds of patients from across the United States and around the world. Whether you are traveling from outside the United States or from another state, our Global Patient Services team can help make your trip as seamless as possible. 

Ready to learn more? Speak with our team. 

Speak With Our Team

Caring for Children Through All Stages of Life

Because of the complexity of many conditions related to the colon and rectum, some children require care throughout many lifetime milestones. From infancy and potty training to school age, adolescence, early adulthood and beyond, care needs change as your child grows.

The Nationwide Children's Center for Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction team is committed to providing optimal outcomes and quality of life throughout the child’s life.

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