Inflammatory Bowel Disease-Texas Colon & Rectal Specialists

Offering Individualized Care And Treatment

Texas Colon & Rectal Specialists work closely with you to create an individualized treatment plan based on the type and severity of symptoms. Treatment options may include dietary changes, medications, and in some cases, surgical intervention.

Laparoscopic Small Bowel Surgery

Small bowel resection surgically removes a diseased section of the small intestine. The laparoscopic technique involves small incisions and quicker recovery. In this procedure, the diseased section of the small intestine is stapled and removed, then the two bowel ends are reattached using staples.

Laparoscopic J-Pouch Surgery

This procedure often "cures" patients with ulcerative colitis and eliminates the risk of colorectal cancer. The J-pouch removes the colon and rectum, replacing the rectum with a neorectum (or new rectum), a pouch made from the last portion of the small intestine and connected to the anus.

Laparoscopic Restorative Proctocolectomy

Restorative proctocolectomy is standard treatment for advanced irritable bowel disease (IBD). Texas Colon & Rectal Specialists perform this technique via a laparoscopic, or minimally invasive approach, limiting recovery and down time for the patient.

Crohn’s Disease Versus Ulcerative Colitis

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis exhibit similar symptoms and are often mistaken for one another, as both involve chronic inflammation in the lining of the digestive tract. Crohn’s disease spreads deep into the layers of affected tissues while ulcerative colitis frequently affects the innermost lining of the colon and rectum.

Understanding Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease may affect the GI tract anywhere from the mouth to the anus; though, the ileocecal region, (the last part of the small bowel with the first part of the colon), is most commonly affected. Treated primarily with a medication regimen, surgical intervention may become necessary through the course of the disease. Severe flares attributed to Crohn’s, may require hospitalization and emergency surgery. Crohn’s disease located inside the colon carries an increased risk for colon cancer.

Understanding Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis involves the rectum and a portion of the colon, and may require hospitalization and surgery if the disease cannot be controlled medically. The disease is curable by removing the entire colon and rectum. In most cases, a permanent ileostomy can be prevented by the construction of a J-Pouch, made of small bowel and connected to the anus. In some cases, surgical intervention is recommended based upon duration of the disease or abnormal changes in the lining of the colon (dysplasia) increasing the risk of colon cancer. Ulcerative colitis carries an increased risk of colon cancer.

Let A Texas Colon & Rectal Specialists Specialist Diagnose Your Issue

Symptoms commonly exhibited in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis include abdominal pain, fever, bleeding, and diarrhea. Individuals with Crohn’s disease frequently develop inflammation in their anal region, commonly mistaken for other diseases. Laboratory tests, endoscopic procedures and radiology tests are used to diagnose inflammatory bowel disease. Your colorectal specialist will determine the appropriate course of action for diagnosis and treatment.

Crohn’s And Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA)

Texas Colon & Rectal Specialists partner with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) through fundraising to increase awareness of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and related diseases. Texas Colon & Rectal Specialists sponsors community initiatives such as the Annual "Take Steps Walk" and the North Texas Patient Half Day Conference. Please help us “take steps” toward a cure and get involved. Visit CCFA.org for more information on upcoming events.

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Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are common forms of inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD.