Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center

Why Choose TGH

Inflammatory bowel disease is a multifaceted condition that requires targeted care, including specialized diagnostic procedures and personalized nutritional, therapeutic and surgical interventions when necessary. Without proper diagnosis and management, some patients with IBD may face hospitalization or long-term disability.

As the first dedicated IBD center in Florida, the TGH Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center has set the standard for advanced IBD care. In our high-volume clinic, which is open daily, we treat thousands of patients with complex IBD-related conditions, including emergencies. Our specialists participate in monthly case meetings to share insights and collaboratively develop personalized care plans. With early and aggressive interventions, we can often prevent worst-case scenarios and help each patient achieve the best possible outcome and quality of life.

IBD Conditions Treated

The TGH Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center offers the latest treatment options for each type of IBD.

Crohn’s Disease

While Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the GI tract—which spans from the mouth to the anus—it most frequently occurs at the end of the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine (colon). This type of IBD is often characterized by patches of inflamed tissue interspersed with healthy tissue. The inflammation may also penetrate multiple layers of the bowel wall. Symptoms of Crohn’s disease include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, fatigue and weight loss.

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis primarily affects the colon and rectum. The inflammation is continuous and limited to the innermost lining of the colon, starting at the rectum and extending upward into the GI tract. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis include diarrhea mixed with blood or mucus, abdominal discomfort and an urgent need to defecate.

IBD and Primary Sclerosing Colitis (PSC)

A combined diagnosis of IBD and PSC involves chronic inflammation of the digestive tract (IBD) alongside progressive inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts (PSC). Particularly common in patients with UC, this overlap presents unique treatment challenges. While IBD can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea and rectal bleeding, which may persist or flare, PSC can cause bile duct infections, liver damage and cirrhosis. As a result, effective management requires close coordination among gastroenterologists and hepatologists with a focus on controlling IBD symptoms, monitoring liver function and addressing potential PSC complications, such as bile duct narrowing (strictures) and increased risk of colorectal and bile duct cancers.

IBD and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)

A combined diagnosis of IBD and NASH occurs when inflammation of the digestive tract (IBD) coexists with liver damage caused by fat accumulation (NASH). The interplay between IBD and NASH is complex and not fully understood. Both conditions involve systemic inflammation, which may contribute to the development and progression of NASH in IBD patients. Additionally, certain medications used to manage IBD, such as glucocorticosteroids, can increase the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a precursor to NASH. The dual burden of this complex diagnosis requires a multidisciplinary approach to address both the gastrointestinal and liver components with an emphasis on controlling inflammation, preventing further liver damage and managing overall health.

Testing and Diagnostics for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease involves a comprehensive evaluation to identify the cause of symptoms, such as persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain and weight loss. Typically, the process includes a medical history review and physical examination followed by a series of diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of IBD and distinguish between its two main forms, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. At our center, a combination of laboratory tests, imaging studies and procedures can help our IBD specialists assess the extent and severity of the inflammation, rule out other conditions and guide treatment decisions.

Laboratory Tests Used for Diagnosing Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Common diagnostic lab tests for IBD include:

• Blood work – A complete blood count (CBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or C-reactive protein (CRP) test can reveal signs of inflammation, infection or anemia.
• Stool test – A fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or fecal calprotectin test can detect bleeding, inflammation or infection in the digestive tract.

Imaging Tests Used for Diagnosing Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Imaging tests often used to diagnose IBD include:

• Computed tomography (CT) scan – An abdominal CT scan can provide cross-sectional images of the digestive tract to help a physician identify inflammation, abscesses or abnormal connections (fistulas).
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan – A pelvic MRI scan can provide high-resolution images of soft tissues in the GI tract to help a physician evaluate fistulas and strictures.
• Barium X-ray – Before X-rays are captured, a chalky contrast material (barium) is swallowed or administered rectally. The barium will coat the tissues in the digestive tract so they can be seen more clearly in the images.

Procedures Used for Diagnosing Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Procedures used to diagnose IBD include:

• Colonoscopy – After guiding a thin, flexible tube with a miniature camera (colonoscope) through the anus and into the GI tract, a physician can view the inner lining of the colon and rectum, take biopsies and assess the extent of inflammation or damage caused by IBD.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy – Similar to a colonoscopy but less extensive, this procedure allows a physician to examine the rectum and lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon) to detect inflammation, ulcers and other abnormalities.
• Upper endoscopy – After guiding a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera (endoscope) through the mouth and into the upper digestive tract, a physician can evaluate the esophagus, stomach and duodenum.
• Capsule endoscopy – The patient swallows a small capsule containing a miniature camera to capture images of the small intestine, which is not easily accessible with traditional endoscopy or imaging procedures.
• Biopsy – During an endoscopic procedure, a physician will collect small tissue samples for microscopic analysis by a pathologist, who can confirm the presence of IBD and distinguish between Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Treatment Options for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

IBD treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, managing symptoms and achieving long-term remission. The multidisciplinary team in the TGH Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center develops a tailored treatment plan for each patient based on several unique factors, including the type and severity of the condition, the response to previous therapies and the patient’s overall health. Many patients benefit from a combination of IBD therapies, such as:

• Lifestyle changes – Stress management, regular exercise and smoking cessation can improve overall well-being and help reduce IBD flare-ups.
• Dietary therapy – Nutritional adjustments, such as an elimination diet or supplementation, can help manage IBD symptoms, address malnutrition and support digestive health.
• Anti-inflammatory medications – Drugs such as aminosalicylates and corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation in the GI tract to alleviate IBD symptoms and induce remission.
• Immune system suppressors – Medications such as biologics and immunomodulators can help control the immune response that contributes to inflammation, offering more targeted treatment for moderate to severe IBD.
• Antibiotics – These powerful bacteria-fighting drugs can be used to treat infections or complications associated with IBD, such as abscesses or fistulas, and to reduce certain bacteria that may trigger symptoms.
• Surgery – In severe cases, an IBD surgical procedure, such as a bowel resection, strictureplasty or ileostomy, may be considered to remove damaged tissue, manage IBD complications or restore normal digestive function.

Support Services for Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Supportive care can enhance a patient’s quality of life by addressing their holistic needs beyond medical treatment, including the mental, emotional and social challenges often associated with IBD. The TGH Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center Common offers a variety of digestive health support services, such as:

• Nutritional counseling – A dietitian can help a patient manage their IBD symptoms and maintain proper nutrition tailored to their individual needs.
• Psychological support – Therapy or counseling can help a patient cope with the stress, anxiety or depression that often accompanies a chronic illness.
• Support groups – Peer groups provide a forum for sharing experiences, advice and encouragement among people living with inflammatory bowel disease.
• Educational resources – Information about IBD, treatment options and symptom management can empower a patient to make better-informed decisions about their care.
• Medication management – Pharmacy support can help ensure proper use of prescribed treatments, including adherence and side effect management.
• Pain management services – Specialists can provide strategies to address and alleviate chronic pain associated with inflammatory bowel disease.
• Social work assistance – A social worker can help a patient navigate insurance, financial aid and other practical issues related to their IBD care.

Research and Clinical Trials

The TGH Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center is a nationally recognized leader in clinical research. Our IBD specialists are actively engaged in ongoing industry and investigator-initiated trials focused on innovative therapies for complex IBD-related conditions. A $1 million funding grant supports our efforts to explore groundbreaking treatments and solidify our standing as a center of excellence, offering new hope to patients who face the challenges of inflammatory bowel disease.