Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis are often grouped together as inflammatory bowel disease.

Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s Disease is a chronic inflammatory condition primarily involving the intestinal tract. It most commonly affects the end of the small intestine and/or the large intestine. Because it is a chronic condition, Crohn’s may recur over a lifetime.

Although symptoms may vary greatly from patient to patient, more common ones include:

• cramping
• abdominal pain
• diarrhea
• fever
• weight loss
• bloating

People in any age group can be affected by Crohn’s Disease, but the majority of patients are between 16 and 40. It occurs equally in men and women and appears to run in families. Initial treatment for Crohn’s usually is the use of medication. Surgery may be recommended for more advanced or complicated cases. The most common procedure for these cases involves removal of the diseased portion of the bowel.

Our surgeons have expertise in the management of Complex Crohn’s Disease including the use of strictureplasty to deal with narrowing in the bowel. Our surgeons also use leading-edge technologies in the management of colorectal Crohn’s Disease.

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammation of the lining of the large bowel, or colon.

Symptoms include:

• rectal bleeding
• diarrhea
• abdominal cramps
• weight loss
• fever

Patients who have had severe ulcerative colitis for many years are at an increased risk to develop colon cancer.

Like Crohn’s Disease, the initial treatment for ulcerative colitis is the use of medication. Surgery may be necessary for patients who have the chronic form of the disease – not just occasional “flare ups” – and for those in whom medication is not effective. There are various types of surgical treatments that involve the removal of the colon and/or rectum, and a colorectal surgeon will determine which is most appropriate for each patient.

Our surgeons have expertise in the management of pouch related issues as well as reoperative pouch surgery.

Why Choose UHealth?

Improving the future of surgical care. We participate in the latest research and clinical trials, which help determine which surgeries work best for which patients. This research improves patient safety and quality of care while shaping the future of surgical treatment. Our surgeons have helped develop new procedures to treat a wide range of conditions, helping patients experience faster recoveries and fewer surgical risks.

A comprehensive team of surgeons. We provide advanced surgical care for many health problems — from heart conditions to cancer. You’ll receive care from a surgeon who has specialized experience and expertise in your specific condition, ensuring you receive the right care for your needs.

Leaders in robotic surgery treatment. The University of Miami Health is home to some of the world’s most experienced robotic surgeons. That’s why doctors from across the globe come to our facility to learn from our surgeons. We were the first academic medical center to use the da Vinci Xi robotic surgery system and complete more than 5,000 robotic surgeries — procedures that offer less pain and scarring and a faster recovery.