UT Southwestern’s new Crohn’s and Colitis Program is the first of its kind in Texas for treating patients suffering from Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC). The program is comprised of a team of gastroenterologists, colorectal surgeons and imaging specialists, as well as a basic science lab for researching the diseases and developing better treatments.

Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC) are the primary chronic diseases associated with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). They are characterized by inflammation of the intestinal tract and often leading to ulcers, fistulae or obstructions. Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anal area while UC strikes the inner lining of the large intestine or the rectum. Without proper management, patients can suffer from:

• abdominal pain
• anemia, diarrhea
• weight loss
• malnutrition
• cancer

Program Highlights
The UT Southwestern Crohn’s and Colitis Program includes:

• physicians renowned for establishing new standards for IBD patient care
• access to the latest therapies through clinical trials
• advanced and minimally invasive procedures
• dedicated nurse and patient coordinator
• registered dietician
• certified stoma nurse to assist patients with their ostomy appliance
• specialized care for women facing high-risk pregnancies
• more than 600 patients seen each year
• annual IBD conference
• monthly program team clinic conferences
• patient support group

Evaluations and Treatments
An initial visit with an IBD specialist typically includes tests and/or studies to determine the exact nature of the patient’s disease. After testing, physicians then determine the most appropriate course of treatment. Evaluations and treatments for Crohn’s disease and UC include:

• Diagnosis
  • endoscopy, including pioneering chromoendoscopic and narrow band imaging surveillance
  • endoscopic ultrasound
  • CT enterography
  • Spirus enteroscopy
  • Capsule endoscopy
  • CT PET scanning
  • Hydrogen and Methane breath testing
• Surgical Treatments
  • Minimally-invasive laparoscopic surgery
  • large and small bowel resection (colectomy)
  • laparoscopic total colectomy
  • hand-assisted surgeries
  • laparoscopic proctocolectomies
  • J-Pouch procedures
• Medical Treatments
  • immunotherapy
  • experimental therapies
  • biological agents
  • access to nutritional therapy

Clinical Trials
Our patients have access to promising new treatments years through phase II and III clinical trials. Our program includes a dedicated IBD research coordinator who assists patients participating in clinical trials.

Additional Information

• Crohn's and Colitis overview
• Crohn's and Colitis - surgery
• Crohn's and Colitis - ostomy
• Crohn's and Colitis - FAQ