Educational content from recorded physician discussions — not medical advice. Always talk to your child's care team about your child's situation.
Content of this collection
Medical Management2 items
Current Treatment Options for Children with Functional Constipation-What Is in the Pipeline?
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In this review, we summarize current insights into the treatment of functional constipation (FC) in children. Constipation is a global issue in the pediatric population, with a prevalence of approximately 9.5%. Initial management involves a
article · Jul 2026
State of the Art Bowel Management for Pediatric Colorectal Problems: Functional Constipation
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Most of the patients with FC referred for surgical evaluation can be managed conservatively. Further studies are required to determine an optimal strategy of surgical resection in children unresponsive to medical treatment.
article · Jul 2026
Surgical Interventions2 items
Antegrade Continence Enema Alone for the Management of Functional Constipation and Segmental Colonic Dysmotility (ACE-FC): A Pediatric Colorectal and Pelvic Learning Consortium Study
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In patients with severe functional constipation and documented segmental colonic dysmotility, ACE alone is an effective treatment modality at 1-year follow-up. Patients without pelvic floor dyssynergia on anorectal manometry are more likely
article · Jul 2026
Surgical Interventions for Functional Constipation: An Update
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Chronic idiopathic constipation, also known as functional constipation, is defined as difficult and infrequent defecation without an identifiable organic cause. Medical management with laxatives is effective for the majority of constipated
article · Jul 2026
The majority of constipated patients without congenital reasons (excluding anorectal malformations and Hirschsprung disease) have pelvic floor dysfunction. — Jason Fisher, Colorectal Quiz: Episode 45 - Pelvic Floor Dyssynergia · 5:44
Pelvic Floor Dyssynergia1 item
Colorectal Quiz: Episode 45 - Pelvic Floor Dyssynergia
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In this engaging episode of the Colorectal Quiz, Drs. Marc Levitt, Jason Frischer, and Erin Teeple dive into the complexities of pelvic floor dyssynergia, an often under-recognized condition impacting bowel and urinary function. Dr. Teeple,
video18:33 · Jul 2026
In general, you want to keep the rectum in ARM patients because the rectum is vital for bowel control. Colorectal Quiz: Episode 47 · 11:53
Malrotation & Ladd Procedure2 items
More evidence against appendectomy at the time of a Ladd procedure
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… Interestingly, Dr Ladd did not describe appendectomy as part of the original description of his procedure, and it was a modification that came later by other pediatric surgeons [6]. The …
article · Jul 2026
Colorectal Quiz: Episode 43
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In this episode of the Colorectal Quiz, Drs. Marc Levitt and Jason Frischer are joined by Drs. Jeffrey Avansino and Hira Ahmad to discuss the nuances of the Mal
podcast23:29 · Jul 2026
Unusual Cases1 item
Battery Ingestion with Colonic Perforation after Colostomy Closure in a Toddler
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Disc and button battery ingestion in children is common. In fact, data reports a dramatic increase in battery ingestion during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic likely as a result of increased household population density and electronic
article · Jul 2026
Historical Perspectives1 item
The Story of Dr. Asa G. Yancey and Surgical Innovation in the Face of Discrimination
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Here, we provide a historical review of Yancey's career as well as insights on the man behind the surgery and how he persevered in academic surgery despite experiencing discrimination during the civil rights movement.
article · Jul 2026
Case Studies & Reviews3 items
Pediatric Colorectal and Pelvic Surgery | Case Studies
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This new handbook teaches and explains the key principles in the management of complex pediatric colorectal diagnoses. By using case-based presentations,
article · Jul 2026
Journal of Pediatric Surgery Article Review: March 2023
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Weâre featuring Journal of Pediatric surgery articles this week to bring you some of the latest news! This week we are discussing three articles from the March
podcast · Jul 2026
Colorectal Quiz: Episode 47
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In this episode of the Colorectal Quiz, Drs. Marc Levitt, Jason Frischer, and special guests Dr. Chris Gayer and Dr. Sarah Ulrich tackle the complexities of man
podcast22:19 · Jul 2026
Transition programs for ARM patients moving to adult care are the most behind aspect of the field compared to other areas like congenital heart disease and cystic fibrosis. — Marc Levitt, Episode 19 - Interview with Dr Marc Levitt, Chief of Colorectal & Pelvic Reconstruction, Children‘s · 11:06
Conference Highlights3 items
Colorectal Quiz Ep. 50 -16th Annual European Pediatric Colorectal & Pelvic Reconstruction Conference
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In this special 50th episode of the Colorectal Quiz Podcast, Dr. Marc Levitt and an international panel review key takeaways from the 16th European Pediatric Colorectal Reconstruction Meeting in Stockholm, highlighting emerging ideas, evolv
video · Jul 2026
Colorectal Quiz: Episode 49 – Collaborating for Kids: Colorectal & Pelvic Care (with Help from AI)
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In this special episode of the Colorectal Quiz, Drs. Marc Levitt and Jason Frischer are joined by Drs. Todd Ponsky and Em Gootee for a behind-the-scenes look at how AI is supporting medical education. The topic of this quiz: Collaborating f
video40:41 · Jul 2026
Colorectal Quiz: Episode 49 - Collaborating for Kids: Colorectal & Pelvic Solutions (with a Little Help from AI)
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Colorectal Quiz: Episode 49 - Collaborating for Kids: Colorectal & Pelvic Solutions (with a Little Help from AI) | Podcast Episode on RSS.com Sign up free Features Resources Pricing Podcasts Sign up free Sign In Stay Current in Pediatric Su
podcast40:45 · Jul 2026
About Dr. Levitt & Global Outreach19 items
Episode 19 - Interview with Dr Marc Levitt, Chief of Colorectal & Pelvic Reconstruction, Children‘s
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Source:
https://www.podbean.com/eau/pb-hnps7-10ff7e9
For episode 19, we are joined by Dr Marc Levitt MD, Chief of Colorectal & Pelvic Reconstruction, Children's National Hospital, Washington DC USA who is internationally recognised as spec
video54:32 · Jul 2026
2019 Chandler Lecture: Dr. Marc Levitt
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The Division of Pediatric Surgery hosts an annual lecture in honor of Dean Loren "Yank" Chandler. This year's speaker, Dr. Marc Levitt, chief of the Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction Surgery Section at Nationwide Children's Hospital, pre
video41:23 · Jul 2026
Time for some patient driven change | Marc Levitt | TEDxColumbus
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Patient driven care - how a patient made me a better doctor, how a collaborative process improves care, and why this is so rare and hard to achieve in medicine.
Marc Levitt, MD, is the Surgical Director of the Center for Colorectal and Pel
video10:41 · Jul 2026
Tell Me a Story: Pediatric Surgeons Putting Colorectal Center on the Map
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http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/service/c/colorectal/default/
Dr. Marc Levitt was a medical student when he first met Dr. Alberto Peña and decided to study under him. Over the years, the mentoring turned into a friendship. They develope
video2:20 · Jul 2026
cincinnati children's hospital medical team in Korle Bu
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Professor Marc Levitt interview on Ghana Television
video2:49 · Jul 2026
Introducing Dr. Marc Levitt: Pediatric Colorectal Surgeon Profile
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video · Jul 2026
Andrea Kesar Discusses Marc Levitt's Contributions to Pediatric Colorectal Surgery
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This is "10_Andrea_Kesar_about Marc Levitt" by CTO on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.
video · Jul 2026
Meeting with Marc Levitt: Clinical Discussion with Ivon Martinez
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This is "16_Ivon_Martinez_02_Meeting_Marc_Levitt" by CTO on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.
video · Jul 2026
Dr. Marc Levitt on the CTO Mission in Pediatric Colorectal Surgery
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This is "01_Marc_Levitt_06 Marc about a CTO Mission_h264_15k_1080p25_cc_220807" by CTO on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.
video · Jul 2026
Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction Techniques with Dr. Marc Levitt
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This is "01 CTO-Georgia_Marc Levitt_h264_1080p25_20k_230207.mov" by CTO on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.
video · Jul 2026
Keynote Address on Pediatric Colorectal Surgery by Dr. Marc Levitt
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This is "Keynote_speech_by_DR._Marc_Levitt_july_2022.mov" by CTO on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.
video · Jul 2026
Integrated Care Concept in Pediatric Colorectal Surgery by Marc Levitt
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This is "01_Marc_Levitt_02 The Concept of Integrated Care_h264_15k_1080p25_cc_220807" by CTO on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.
video · Jul 2026
Addressing Ministers of Health: Pediatric Colorectal Surgery Advocacy and Global Healthcare Priorities
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video · Jul 2026
Patient Outreach and Communication in Pediatric Colorectal Surgery
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video · Jul 2026
Connecting Surgeons and Nurses: Collaborative Care in Pediatric Surgery
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This is "01_Marc_Levitt_04 Connect with all Surgeons and Nurses_h264_15k_1080p25_cc_220807" by CTO on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.
video · Jul 2026
The History of International Colorectal Surgery Team Development
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This is "01_Marc_Levitt_03 The History of Colorectal Team Overseas_h264_15k_1080p25_cc_220807" by CTO on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.
video · Jul 2026
How the Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction Center Uses Donor Support
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This is "01_Marc_Levitt_08 What CTO does with your support_h264_15k_1080p25_cc_220807" by CTO on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.
video · Jul 2026
Introduction to Dr. Marc Levitt's Pediatric Colorectal Surgery Practice
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This is "01_Marc_Levitt_01 About Dr Marc Levitt_for_music / Introducing Dr. Marc Levitt" by CTO on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.
video · Jul 2026
The value and weakness of Medical Mission Work in ARM
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Marc Levitt interviewed by Carlos Reck Presentation during the European Colorectal Congress in Vienna - December 2019 Organized by: Carlos A. Reck-Burneo Alexander Springer Annita Budzanowski
video · Jul 2026
Featured picks for families are being prepared — the summaries above are written for you.
Expert statements from the recordings in this collection.
Colorectal Quiz: Episode 49 - Collaborating for Kids: Colorectal & Pelvic Solutions (with a Little Help from AI)
NotebookLM is a free offering from Google that can upload any content and create a realistic-sounding podcast between two people.
Todd Ponsky1:18
NotebookLM creates an expert from only the provided document, not pulling information from external sources like other chatbots.
Marc Levitt5:47
A review article that took two weeks to produce five years ago can now be created in minutes using NotebookLM with the same 30 source articles.
Todd Ponsky6:39
NotebookLM can identify gaps in knowledge across multiple research articles and recognize when new articles fill those gaps.
Todd Ponsky7:30
Colorectal and pelvic disorders in children are often intricate and can have effects that last their entire lives, frequently involving a network of connected issues across digestive, urinary, reproductive, and sometimes musculoskeletal systems.
Conditions requiring multidisciplinary approach include anorectal malformations (ARM), Hirschsprung disease, severe constipation caused by colonic motility issues, and neurogenic bladder and bowel dysfunction often seen in children with spina bifida.
The initial driving forces behind colorectal programs are often strong focus, genuine passion, and deep interest from key people combined with solid work ethic, with detailed knowledge growing over time.
A dedicated physician leader, most often a pediatric surgeon, is necessary who has genuine interest, commitment to long-term care, and clear vision for improving colorectal care quality.
The program leader must understand the local healthcare landscape, assess genuine need, evaluate feasibility given existing services, and identify underserved patient populations before building.
Initial essential specialties for a colorectal program include general surgery, urology, gynecology, GI motility specialist, and critically, a dedicated nursing team.
A dedicated and passionate nurse specializing in bowel management is the backbone of the program; without this nurse, the program won't function effectively regardless of surgical expertise.
For programs in non-English speaking countries, having a nurse fluent in English who can attend international meetings provides significant advantage for staying current on best practices.
Complex colorectal cases often require combined expertise of pediatric surgery, urology, and gynecology in the operating room.
Finding a pediatric gynecologist can be challenging; in those situations, a pediatric surgeon might manage gynecological aspects for female patients, or an adult gynecologist with expertise in Müllerian anomalies or disorders of sexual development may be engaged.
A GI colleague with interest in motility and skill in performing manometry studies is needed, along with establishing clear guidelines for managing constipation and criteria for when standard medical treatments have failed.
Access to anal and colonic motility studies and incorporation of pelvic floor physical therapy are key components of comprehensive care.
Educating local pediatricians on when and how to refer patients to the center is crucial for building referral pathways.
Radiologists need education on colorectal diseases and must know how to properly perform and interpret contrast enemas, colostograms, and cloacograms, with active surgeon participation in imaging studies especially initially.
A pathologist with expertise in intestinal disorders like Hirschsprung disease ensures tissue samples are handled and interpreted correctly, requiring good surgeon-pathologist communication.
Regular multidisciplinary meetings, ideally once or twice weekly, are essential for reviewing individual patient needs and developing coordinated care plans.
A dedicated multidisciplinary outpatient clinic is ideal, but if not possible due to infrastructure limitations, coordinating same-day appointments across different locations with regular team meetings is an acceptable alternative.
Continuous learning strategies include visiting established colorectal centers, staying current with research, watching surgical videos, and visiting other multidisciplinary programs within your own hospital.
Programs should proactively ask other centers to share materials like patient intake forms or follow-up protocols, adapt them to local needs, and share their own innovations back with the broader community.
Clinical skill development includes specialized colorectal fellowships, visiting other institutions for mentorship, international travel to learn from experts, and conference attendance for all team members, not just surgeons.
Surgical videos are helpful for building confidence and understanding techniques but are not a substitute for actual hands-on surgical experience.
The colorectal nurse needs solid understanding of different condition types (ARM variants, Hirschsprung disease, neurogenic bladder/bowel) and skills in preoperative/postoperative care including bowel irrigations, enemas, catheter management, and teaching families anal dilations.
Involving and educating inpatient nursing staff through protocols and educational sessions ensures consistent high-level care and increases family comfort during hospitalization.
Essential supplies include Hagar dilators, various catheter types and sizes, gravity bags for enemas, and specialized surgical retractors like the Lone Star retractor.
Building a robust data library is essential for demonstrating clinic efficiency, establishing regional reputation, and showcasing effectiveness of new treatment techniques.
Key metrics to track include total referrals, total visits, new patients, out-of-region patients, surgical cases (inpatient/outpatient), length of stay, revenues, expenses, and safety/quality metrics like complication rates.