Comprehensive Esophageal Health Center opens with more convenient, streamlined care
People born with congenital colorectal disorders, such as anorectal malformation, Hirschsprung disease, myelomeningocele and inflammatory bowel disease, require lifelong colorectal management to maintain an optimal quality of life. Even when these abnormalities are surgically corrected early in life, medical conditions persist that require continued medical and surgical care. These often include issues with bowel management, sexual dysfunction and urologic, fertility or pregnancy concerns.
Given the need for lifelong care, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center has opened the Colorectal Transitional Care Clinic in collaboration with Nationwide Children’s Hospital — the world’s first center of its kind.
“For adolescents and young adults, having to change physicians just because you’ve ‘aged out’ of their care can be upsetting,” says Alessandra Gasior, DO, clinic director and colon and rectal surgeon. “Our clinic allows patients to move to an adult care setting while maintaining the trusted relationship they’ve already established with their pediatric colorectal provider.”
As of May 2023, the transitional clinic has seen a 371% increase in patient volume since first opening in January 2019.
“We started with just seven patients and growth did slow during the COVID-19 pandemic when national and international patients were unable to travel,” Dr. Gasior says. “But our growth has been steady over these five years, and we anticipate and are prepared for additional volume.”
The clinic extends the same multidisciplinary approach that patients have benefited from throughout childhood. Care is provided in close collaboration with teams from GI motility, Ob/Gyn, urology and female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery.
“We are leading the nation in colorectal transitional care for patients,” Dr. Gasior says, “but we’re also at the forefront of research.”
She references several studies that solidify the efficacy of the clinic’s approach, including the first results of its congenital colorectal adult bowel management program. Other published studies confirming the clinic’s positive outcomes are Transition of Care Barriers in Pediatric Patients With Anorectal Malformation and Sexual and Reproductive Health Outcomes in Females With Cloacal Malformations and Other Anorectal Malformations.
“It’s been rewarding to maintain the connections with our patients and their families as they become adults. Now this research confirms the medical advantages of our approach,” Dr. Gasior says.
Information and patient referral
Explore webpages for the Colorectal Transitional Care Clinic, as well as the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery for more information. You can also refer a patient to Ohio State’s transitional clinic or email Alessandra.Gasior@osumc.edu with questions.
