Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Over one million Americans suffer from the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The two major types of IBD are ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. In ulcerative colitis (UC), the large intestine becomes inflamed and ulcers may develop. In Crohn's disease, wall and the lining of the intestines become inflamed and ulcers develop.

Physicians at the Digestive Disease Center utilize state of-the-art diagnostics and therapies in the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Both standard and experimental drug therapies are available. Remicade infusion has made a major impact on therapy for Crohn's disease.

Surgery

Surgical options include:

• Side-to-side isoperistaltic (SSIS)
• Colectomy
• Proctocolectomy
• Ileostomy

Another option is a complex multistage procedure in which the surgeon removes the colon, creates an internal ileal pouch from the small intestine, attaches it to the anal sphincter muscle (ileoanal anastomosis), and creates a temporary ileostomy. After the ileoanal anastomosis heals, the ileostomy is closed and passage of feces through the anus is reestablished.