4GUT Program

Disorders of the foregut include various anatomic and functional variants of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract (esophagus, stomach, and early small bowel). Lurie Children’s 4GUT Program combines the expertise of both pediatric surgery and pediatric gastroenterology to help assess and manage patients with complex disorders of the foregut including tracheoesophageal fistula, esophageal atresia, achalasia, esophageal dissociation, gastroparesis, pylorospasm, intestinal pseudo-obstruction, and more. Here, patients from infancy through early adulthood are seen in tandem by providers in each specialty so that a cohesive plan can be made to meet a child’s individual needs.

Why Choose Lurie Children's?

The 4GUT Program affords a multidisciplinary approach to children with complex foregut anatomy and/or motility disorders. Our providers utilize state-of-the-art modalities for the testing and treatment of your child including newer technologies such as esophageal impedance, esophageal and antroduodenal manometry, functional luminal imaging (EndoFLIP), and planimetry-guided dilatation (EsoFLIP). Since our providers work so closely together, we are often able to coordinate testing and procedures so as to minimize families’ time away from home, school, and work and reduce invasive procedures and anesthesia for your child.

For most children, care is provided comprehensively within the 4GUT Program. In certain cases, we may partner in your care closely with other specialty centers such as our Neurointestinal and Motility Program or the Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases Program.

What to Expect

Your child will be seen by both a pediatric surgeon and a pediatric gastroenterologist during your visit. At the conclusion of the visit, a cohesive plan will be provided with next steps in imaging, labwork, motility studies, procedures, or medication changes.