Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition

Intestinal Rehabilitation Program

The Pediatric Intestinal Rehabilitation Program specializes in caring for children with intestinal failure. This failure happens when the intestines can no longer digest food and absorb the fluids, electrolytes and nutrients essential for a child to live and develop normally.

Our team of pediatric gastroenterologists, surgeons, nurse practitioners, dietitians, social workers and child life specialists work together to design a treatment plan that's tailored to your child's needs and goals. Depending on your child's case, we may use medication, diet modification or surgery to improve intestinal function.

Many patients with intestinal failure need to get some or all of their nutrients in liquid form through a catheter placed in a vein. This treatment, known as total parenteral nutrition (TPN), can cause complications and affect a child's quality of life. Our goal is to limit how much TPN is needed and help your child transition toward eating solid food.

Our locations (4)

    Related conditions

    Related treatments

    • Total parenteral nutrition (TPN)

    Our team

    Awards & recognition

    • Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties

    • One of the nation's best for gastroenterology & GI surgery

    Plan your visit

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • Recent test results related to your child's condition
    • List of medications, including dosages, plus any your child is allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    For visitors

    Before you head to the hospital, check out our guidelines for visitors and caregivers.

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    Your Stay

    We offer valuable information to help you plan for your child's upcoming hospital stay. Find out about food services, family accommodations and more.

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    Preparing for Your Child's Surgery

    If your child is having surgery, there are many details about how to prepare, what to bring, and what to expect during and after surgery. Learn more.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

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    Child Life Services

    Activity rooms, pet therapy and more to help kids feel at home.

    Child Life

    Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.

    Family Amenities

    Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.

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    Social Services

    Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.

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    Activity Rooms

    Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.

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    Art Therapy

    Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.

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    Music Therapy Program

    Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.

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    School Program

    Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.

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    School Re-Entry Program

    We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.

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    Individual Playtime & Instruction

    If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

    Family Resource Center

    We help families cope with the challenges of childhood illness and hospitalization in a relaxing environment where parents can get a much-needed break.

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    Parent Support Program

    Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.

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    Patient Relations

    Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.

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    Spiritual Care

    Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.

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    International Services

    If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.

    Our research initiatives

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      UCSF Division of Pediatric GI, Hepatology & Nutrition Research

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    Soothing the soul

    Our music therapy program nurtures patients with bedside serenades, rap workshops and more.

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