Our Treatment Approach
Our goal is to provide a personalized treatment plan that encourages management through nutrition and medication.
Before a patient’s first visit, our team has already reviewed all medical records and identified which additional tests need to be conducted. We use sophisticated diagnostic tools, including magnetic resonance enterography, to accurately stage the disease and, if necessary, determine whether surgery could be beneficial.
After initial treatment begins, we conduct regularly scheduled lab tests that help us gauge intestinal healing and identify early warning signs of problems that might require medical intervention.
Research indicates that patients who are carefully monitored in this way experience fewer flare-ups and require fewer hospitalizations or surgery. We also partner with patients and families to build skills in managing the disease. Skills are assessed, goals are determined and progress toward these goals is discussed at each encounter.
IBD Treatment Options
Treatment for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis depends on unique symptoms of each individual patient, as well as the following:
- Location of the disease
- Problems the disease may be causing
- How the patient responds to treatment
- The amount of inflammation present
- Health of the child
- Ability of the child to take certain medications and undergo certain procedures
The following are potential treatment options for IBD patients:
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MedicationShow
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There are many different types of medications used to treat IBD conditions:
- Aminosalicylates (5-ASA) to treat mild to moderate symptoms.
- Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, suppress the immune system and are used to treat moderate to severely active Crohn's disease. These drugs have significant short- and long-term side effects and should not be used as a maintenance medication.
- Immune system suppressants to help patients stay in remission.
- Bacteria-treating antibiotics may be used when infections – such as abscesses – occur in Crohn’s disease.
- Biologics to treat severe cases that don’t respond to other medications.
- Enteral therapy: There has been significant evidence to support the use of exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) as therapy for patients with Crohn's disease.
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Vitamin SupplementsShow
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Vitamin supplements aid in providing good nutrition to manage Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. A doctor may order vitamin supplements if a patient’s vitamin D and iron levels are low.
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SurgeryShow
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We have surgeons who specialize in IBD surgeries, including minimally invasive techniques for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Before considering surgery, we will confirm that all reasonable medical therapies have been tried. If surgery is necessary, we will collaborate with our experienced surgical team to achieve the best outcome possible.
Crohn’s Disease
Surgery may be necessary when medication is unable to control the disease. During surgery, part of the intestine may be removed and the two ends of the healthy bowel are joined together. This can make the symptoms better, but will not completely cure the Crohn’s, as the disease may come back.Ulcerative Colitis
Surgery may not be necessary for most ulcerative colitis patients, but 20-30 percent may need it. The most common type of surgery includes removal of the entire colon and then creating a pouch to hold waste prior to having a bowel movement, also called restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch – anal anastomosis.Patients with ulcerative colitis may also have a J-pouch reconstruction, where a J-shaped reservoir is surgically created out of a patient's small intestine as a way to store and pass stool.
Most patients live normal, active lives post-surgery.