A Grain of Sand for Emma

22/08/2026

An inadequately done high-pressure distal colostogram places patients at unnecessary risk for serious intraoperative complications during the repair of an anorectal malformation.
The distal colostogram is the surgeon's roadmap. It should be done in a perfect lateral position (not oblique), and it should clearly show the type of anomaly.
If you are a surgeon and the patient comes to you with a distal colostogram like the picture below, you should repeat the study before attempting an operation.

22/08/2026

Look who needed a nasogastric tube for bowel preparation (clean-out) and IV fluids this week at the International Center for Colorectal and Urogenital Care at Children’s Hospital Colorado.
As far as we know, this was the first Hedgehog to undergo this important preoperative preparation. A true breakthrough 😂
Shout-out to the child life team for their amazing work supporting children throughout their medical journey.

03/04/2026

03/04/2026

Since Easter is around the corner, do you want to see how “rabbit poop” looks on an abdominal x-ray?
“Rabbit poop” are small and dry stool balls and it is a sign of constipation. They can be seen really well on abdominal radiograph.

03/04/2026

Attention all parents and patients! When making your own saline solution for e***as, it is VERY IMPORTANT to measure it correctly.
Our recommendation is: 1000 ml of water + 1 and 1/2 teaspoon of table salt. Make sure you use a measuring spoon everytime.

03/04/2026

Here is the reason why it is important to get a contrast e***a before starting bowel management.
During bowel management week, we are monitoring the amount of stool in the re**um and left colon. The right colon always has some stool because that is the beginning of the colon.
In some patients, the beginning of the right colon (cecum) can overlap with the re**um in the pelvis and it may give the false impression of stool in the re**um.
Together we can Improve Colorectal Care Everywhere for Everyone!

23/03/2026

Bowel control is not necessarily 0 or 100%. Some patients may have some bowel control, but is the amount of control enough to keep them clean (without stool accidents) in the underwear?
If not, sometimes, it is better to start them on an e***a regimen.
Talk to your doctor!

23/03/2026

In this video, Children's Hospital Colorado's Dr. Andrea Bischoff, along with pediatric urologist Duncan Wilcox, MD and pediatric gynecologist Veronica Alani...