Pediatric Gastroenterology

Healthy digestion is essential for a child’s growth, immunity, development, and daily comfort. At Biruni Hospital in Istanbul, our Pediatric Gastroenterology Department provides specialized care for complex digestive, liver, and nutritional disorders in infants, children, and adolescents.

Our pediatric gastroenterologists follow the highest international standards, strictly adhering to guidelines from the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology (NASPGHAN) and the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology (ESPGHAN).

We provide a compassionate, family-centered approach, utilizing advanced diagnostic tools and leading expertise to help children overcome digestive challenges and thrive.

What is Pediatric Gastroenterology?

Pediatric Gastroenterology is a medical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating disorders of the gastrointestinal tract in children up to 18 years old. This includes conditions affecting the:

• Esophagus
• Stomach
• Intestines (Small and Large)
• Liver
• Pancreas
• Gallbladder

Because children experience unique symptoms and developmental challenges, specialized pediatric care is vital for proper diagnosis and long-term health support.

Common digestive disorders and treatment

We provide comprehensive diagnosis and management for key pediatric GI conditions:

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

GERD occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus.

Common Symptoms:

• Frequent vomiting or spitting up

• Irritability after meals

• Slow or poor weight gain

• Chronic cough or wheezing

Treatment at Biruni Hospital:

Comprehensive Diagnostics: Includes Endoscopy and pH monitoring.

Personalized Dietary and Feeding Plans.

Symptom-Specific Medication when Appropriate.

• Learn more about Advanced Surgical Options at our pediatric surgery department.

Constipation

Commonly caused by diet, dehydration, or motility issues.

Common Symptoms:

• Hard or dry stools

• Painful bowel movements

• Abdominal bloating or discomfort

Treatment at Biruni Hospital:

• Physical exam and imaging when needed.

• High-fiber diet and hydration plans.

• Medications under pediatric supervision.

• Behavioral strategies and screening for chronic causes.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

A functional disorder causing abdominal pain and irregular bowel habits.

Treatment at Biruni Hospital includes:

• Dietary adjustments and trigger-food identification.

• Medications tailored to symptoms.

• Stress management in collaboration with our Pediatric Psychologists (Internal Link).

Celiac Disease

An autoimmune reaction to gluten affecting nutrient absorption in the small intestine.

Treatment at Biruni Hospital focuses on:

• Serological tests and small bowel biopsy for diagnosis.

• Lifelong gluten-free diet guided by our specialized Pediatric Dietitians (Internal Link).

• Vitamin and mineral supplementation and long-term monitoring.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Chronic inflammation (Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis) requiring long-term care.

Treatment at Biruni Hospital includes:

• Blood tests, imaging, and endoscopic evaluation.

• Advanced Medication Management (anti-inflammatories, immunosuppressants, and biologics).

• Nutrition therapy to support growth and prevent malnutrition.

Diagnostic approaches in pediatric gastroenterology

We ensure the most accurate diagnosis using advanced methods:

1. Advanced procedures

• Upper Endoscopy (EGD): Used to examine the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.
• Colonoscopy: Used to examine the large intestine and rectum.
• Capsule Endoscopy: A specialized tool to view the small bowel.

2. Functional & specialized testing

• pH Monitoring: Measures reflux severity in the esophagus.
• Breath Tests: Diagnose conditions like lactose intolerance.
• Lab Tests: Includes blood tests (for inflammation/nutrients) and stool tests (for infection/malabsorption).

3. Multidisciplinary evaluation

Our precise diagnosis and tailored treatment plans rely on seamless collaboration with pediatric dietitians, radiologists, pediatric psychologists, and pediatric surgeons.

Why choose Biruni Hospital in istanbul?

• Verified Expertise: Our specialists are highly experienced and adhere to global standards (NASPGHAN/ESPGHAN).

• Comprehensive Care: Access to the full spectrum of advanced diagnostics and medical/surgical treatments.

• Family-Centered Trust: We focus on clear guidance and emotional support, not just medical procedures.

• Leading Medical Hub: Located in Istanbul, offering superior, accessible pediatric healthcare for both local and international families.

Pediatric Gastroenterology FAQ for Biruni Hospital

• What age range does your Pediatric Gastroenterology department treat?

Our department provides specialized, evidence-based care for the entire spectrum of pediatric patients, from infants and newborns up through adolescence (generally up to 18 years old).

• Are your specialists certified to international standards?

Yes. Our pediatric gastroenterologists strictly adhere to the treatment and diagnostic guidelines set by the leading international bodies: the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology (NASPGHAN) and the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology (ESPGHAN).

• What are the most common symptoms that require a consultation?

You should seek specialized consultation if your child experiences persistent or severe symptoms, including chronic abdominal pain, long-term diarrhea or constipation, slow growth, or blood in the stool.

• Do you offer long-term management for chronic conditions like IBD or Celiac Disease?

Absolutely. We provide comprehensive long-term support, integrating regular follow-up appointments with our pediatric dietitians and psychological support.

• What steps should I take to book a consultation or get a second opinion?

You can easily schedule an appointment or consultation by calling our International Patient Services team at [+90 549 648 55 11] or using our contact form. We facilitate virtual consultation options and travel coordination for international patients.

Meet our pediatric gastroenterologist

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Meryem Keçeli Başaran is a pediatric gastroenterologist specializing in digestive, liver, and nutritional disorders in children, including reflux, constipation, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and growth issues. She earned her medical degree at Çukurova University and completed her pediatric gastroenterology training at Akdeniz University, receiving the title of Associate Professor in 2023.