Overview
The IBD Clinic provides integrated management for chronic intestinal inflammation using endoscopic surveillance, imaging, immunological testing, and biologic therapy to help patients achieve remission.
Conditions We Treat
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Crohn’s Disease
- Microscopic Colitis
- Indeterminate Colitis
- IBD-Associated Fistulas & Perianal Disease
- IBD-Related Anaemia & Malnutrition
- Post-Surgical Pouchitis
- Extra-Intestinal Manifestations (Eye, Joint, Skin)
Ulcerative Colitis
Overview
Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon and rectum where the inner lining becomes ulcerated, leading to bleeding, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain.
Symptoms
- Persistent diarrhoea: With blood or mucus
- Abdominal pain: And cramping
- Urgency: And frequent bowel movements
- Fatigue: And weight loss
- Anaemia: From chronic blood loss
Diagnosis
- Colonoscopy with Biopsy: Confirms diagnosis and assesses inflammation.
- Stool Tests: Rule out infections and detect calprotectin.
- Blood Tests: Evaluate anaemia, inflammatory markers.
Treatment
- Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: 5-ASA compounds for mild-to-moderate disease.
- Corticosteroids: Short-term during flare-ups.
- Immunosuppressants: Azathioprine for maintenance.
- Biologic Therapy: Anti-TNF agents for moderate-to-severe UC.
- Surgery: Colectomy for unresponsive cases.
Crohn’s Disease
Overview
Crohn’s Disease is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect any part of the GI tract, commonly small intestine and colon, causing strictures, fistulas, and malabsorption.
Symptoms
- Chronic diarrhoea: Often without blood
- Abdominal cramps: Lower right quadrant
- Weight loss: And fatigue
- Fistulas: Around anus or skin
- Joint pain: And mouth ulcers
Diagnosis
- Colonoscopy with Ileoscopy: Identifies skip lesions, ulcers.
- MRI / CT Enterography: Evaluates small bowel involvement.
- Capsule Endoscopy: Detects lesions missed on scopes.
Treatment
- Anti-Inflammatory & Immunosuppressive Therapy
- Biologics: Anti-TNF or anti-integrin agents.
- Nutritional Therapy: Exclusive enteral nutrition.
- Surgery: For strictures, obstruction, or fistulas.
Microscopic Colitis
Overview
Microscopic Colitis causes chronic watery diarrhoea with normal colonoscopy but abnormal biopsy. Divided into collagenous and lymphocytic colitis.
Symptoms
- Chronic watery diarrhoea: Non-bloody
- Abdominal cramping: And bloating
- Fatigue: And dehydration
Treatment
- Budesonide: Highly effective for remission.
- Dietary Changes: Low-fat, lactose-free diet.
- Medication Review: Stop NSAIDs or PPIs triggering flares.
Perianal Fistulising IBD
Overview
A severe Crohn’s complication where abnormal tracts develop between anal canal and skin causing pain, swelling, and infections.
Treatment
- Antibiotics: Ciprofloxacin or metronidazole.
- Biologics: Infliximab or adalimumab.
- Seton Placement: Drains infection.
- Surgical Fistulectomy: Definitive management.
Post-Surgical Pouchitis
Overview
Inflammation of the ileal pouch after colectomy, causing diarrhoea, urgency, and abdominal discomfort.
Treatment
- Antibiotics: Ciprofloxacin or metronidazole.
- Probiotics (VSL#3): Maintain remission.
- Biologic Therapy: For chronic pouchitis.
IBD with Extra-Intestinal Manifestations
Overview
IBD can affect joints, eyes, skin, and liver. These require systemic treatment and multidisciplinary care.
Symptoms
- Joint: Arthritis, swelling
- Eye: Uveitis, redness
- Skin: Erythema nodosum
- Liver: Fatty liver, PSC
Treatment
- Systemic Therapy: Corticosteroids or immunosuppressants.
- Biologic Drugs: TNF inhibitors for gut and joint/skin.
- Multidisciplinary Follow-Up: Regular specialist evaluation.