Pediatric Gastroenterology

Pediatric Gastroenterology

Pediatric gastroenterology in Abu Dhabi for children with reflux, constipation, IBD, liver disease, food allergy and digestive disorders..

Advanced endoscopy, multidisciplinary nutrition, and compassionate family-centered management for every GI condition.

Burjeel Medical City provides pediatric gastroenterology care in Abu Dhabi for infants, children and teenagers with reflux, chronic constipation, abdominal pain, IBD, liver disease, celiac disease, food allergy, feeding difficulties and intestinal disorders. The pediatric gastroenterology team supports diagnosis, endoscopy, nutrition care, liver assessment and long-term follow-up, with Weekly Pediatric GI Board meetings bringing together gastroenterology, surgery, nutrition, radiology, pathology and psychology to create individualized, evidence-based treatment plans.

2

board-certified pediatric gastroenterologists

Over 250

pediatric endoscopies in 2024

Zero

anesthesia complications in the last 300 endoscopic procedures

80%

clinical remission at 1 year for pediatric IBD under the treat-to-target protocol

Common Conditions & Subspecialty Clinics.

  • Functional abdominal pain 
  • Chronic constipation 
  • Cyclic vomiting syndrome 

  • Crohn’s Disease 
  • Ulcerative Colitis 
  • Indeterminate colitis 

  • Infectious hepatitis 
  • Autoimmune hepatitis
  • Wilson’s disease
  • Biliary atresia 
  • Metabolic liver diseases 
  • Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease / steatohepatitis (NAFLD/MASH) 

  • Short-bowel syndrome 
  • Enteral or total parenteral nutrition (TPN) dependence 
  • PEG gastrostomy tube placement and management 

  • Celiac disease 
  • Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) 
  • Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) 

  • Achalasia 
  • Gastroparesis 
  • Intestinal pseudo-obstruction 
  • Multidisciplinary aerodigestive evaluations 

  • Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) 
  • Colonoscopy and polypectomy
  • Stricture dilation 
  • Foreign-body removal 
  • Capsule & Imaging Video capsule endoscopy 
  • MR enterography 
  • Ultrasound elastography for liver and bowel assessment 

Procedures & Treatments.

Hepatology protocols for viral hepatitis and metabolic liver disorders

Lactase enzyme, bile-acid binders, and probiotics where indicated

Parenteral nutrition formulation and cycling for intestinal failure

Low-FODMAP and elimination diets for IBS/functional disorders

Biologics: infliximab, adalimumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab

Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) for induction of IBD remission

Transient elastography (FibroScan®) for liver fibrosis staging

Food allergy skin-prick and serum IgE panels

Breath tests (lactose, fructose, SIBO methane)

High-resolution esophageal manometry, pH-impedance, and antroduodenal manometry

MR enterography with motion-suppression sequences

Wireless capsule endoscopy for small-bowel bleeding and Crohn’s assessment

Pediatric EGD & colonoscopy with CO₂ insufflation and water-immersion technique

Endoscopic removal of ingested foreign bodies and batteries

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) and button change

Balloon dilation of esophageal and anastomotic strictures

Endoscopic polypectomy (hot-snare/cold-snare)

Upper-GI variceal banding and sclerotherapy

Tele-GI follow-ups for rural and international patients

Transition clinic for adolescents shifting to adult GI services

Speech-language therapy for dysphagia and feeding aversion

Psychologist-led coping skills for chronic abdominal pain

Care Pathway & Coordination.

1
Referral & Triage

Referral & Triage

Nurse navigator reviews urgency; urgent scopes scheduled within 48 hours.

2
Comprehensive Assessment

Comprehensive Assessment

Labs, imaging, growth metrics, and dietary history in one visit where possible.

3
Multidisciplinary GI Board

Multidisciplinary GI Board

Gastroenterology, surgery, nutrition, psych draft plan.

4
Diagnostic/Therapeutic Intervention

Diagnostic/Therapeutic Intervention

Endoscopy, imaging, medical therapy initiation.

5
Family Education & Monitoring

Family Education & Monitoring

Dietitian counseling, medication teaching, growth tracking.

6
Long-Term Follow-up

Long-Term Follow-up

Clinic every 3–6 months; telemedicine and school-liaison reports.

Technology & Facilities.

Pediatric-Sized Endoscopy Scopes

4.9 mm to 9 mm with HD imaging

Low-Dose Fluoroscopy Room

for therapeutic procedures

Motion-Friendly MRI Suite

with audiovisual distraction for children

Dedicated Pediatric Infusion Center

Biologic therapy with child-life support

Child-Life & Play Therapy Rooms

adjacent to procedure unit

Our Experts.

Dr. Huda Alghefli

Dr. Huda Alghefli

Consultant Pediatric Gastroenterology

Patient Stories.

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Bassam

Multiple Myeloma

Frequently Asked Questions.

Is anesthesia safe for children during endoscopy?

Yes—procedures are done under pediatric anesthesiologist care using age-appropriate agents and monitoring.

Can diet alone treat Crohn’s disease?

Exclusive enteral nutrition induces remission in many children; maintenance usually combines dietary and medical therapy.

How often will my child need liver tests?

Frequency depends on the condition; chronic liver disease typically requires labs every 3–6 months.

Do you offer virtual follow-up?

Yes—secure video visits and remote growth tracking are available for stable patients.

What symptoms may need pediatric digestive specialist care?

A child may need pediatric digestive specialist care for ongoing stomach pain, vomiting, reflux, constipation, diarrhea, blood in stool, poor weight gain, feeding problems, swallowing difficulty, jaundice, or suspected liver disease.

Does Burjeel Medical City provide pediatric endoscopy?

Yes. Burjeel Medical City provides pediatric endoscopy, including upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, polypectomy, stricture dilation, foreign-body removal, capsule endoscopy, and PEG tube placement when needed.

Can chronic constipation or reflux in children be treated here?

Yes. Burjeel Medical City treats chronic constipation, reflux, vomiting, abdominal pain, feeding concerns, and other common digestive problems in children through medical, nutritional, and specialist care.

When does a child need liver tests or hepatology care?

A child may need liver tests or hepatology care for jaundice, abnormal liver blood tests, hepatitis, fatty liver disease, poor growth, unexplained vomiting, swelling, or suspected metabolic or inherited liver disease.

How do I choose a pediatric gastroenterologist in Abu Dhabi?

Choose a pediatric gastroenterologist in Abu Dhabi with experience in reflux, constipation, abdominal pain, IBD, liver disease, nutrition problems, endoscopy, and complex digestive conditions. Also check access to pediatric anesthesia, imaging, dietitians, and multidisciplinary care.

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