Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center

A type of IBD that causes inflammation anywhere in the digestive tract but more commonly in the small intestine. Crohn’s disease may cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss and rectal bleeding. Speak with your provider about different treatment options to help control your symptoms and allow you to achieve a healthy, active lifestyle.

A type of IBD that causes inflammation and ulcers or sores in your digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis typically affects the innermost lining of your large intestine and rectum. Symptoms can vary, depending on the severity of inflammation and where it occurs. Some signs and symptoms may include diarrhea, often with blood or pus, rectal bleeding, weight loss, fever and fatigue. Speak with your provider about different treatment options to help control your symptoms and allow you to achieve a healthy, active lifestyle.

If you have celiac disease, eating gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley or rye) triggers an immune response in your small intestine.  Over time, this reaction causes damage to the small intestine’s lining and prevents it from absorbing some nutrients (malabsorption). The intestinal damage often causes diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, bloating and anemia, and can lead to serious complications.

A surgical opening on the abdominal wall for the elimination of body wastes (stool or urine).  When the digestive system is unable to function properly due to disease or injury, a surgeon may recommend removing or bypassing portions of the small intestines or colon and placing an ileostomy or colostomy. Ostomies may be temporary or permanent.

Involves receiving medication or fluids through a needle or catheter, usually intravenously. Some patients with IBD receive infusions containing medication on a regular basis, and others may need infusions to help replenish nutrients such as iron or manage dehydration. Infusion services are provided in many different settings. At Fort Sanders Regional, we offer both ambulatory and home services.

Provides a new way to store and pass stool, without a permanent bag. There are three types of ileal pouch surgeries: J-pouch (the most common), S-pouch and W-pouch. In some cases of colorectal disease, all of the colon and the rectum must be removed surgically. This is called a total proctocolectomy. After surgical removal of the large bowel, patients may be candidates for an ileal pouch procedure. It usually takes two or three operations to make the J-pouch, and almost all patients will have a temporary ileostomy bag for 3 to 9 months while the new J-pouch heals.