Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis Treatment

Because Crohn's and Colitis are both inflammatory diseases of the bowel, they require very similar treatment. Unfortunately, there is also not a cure for either condition. This means that all treatment is concerned with managing and minimizing the symptoms so that patients are as comfortable as possible.

Crohn's Disease treatment and ulcerative colitis treatment both fall into two main categories: medication and surgery.

Medication

The first purpose of medication is to control inflammation. This gets to the heart of the disease and will often reduce other unpleasant symptoms. There are several types of anti-inflammatory medication that can be used in Crohn's Disease treatment and ulcerative colitis treatment. Dr. Beth Moore and Dr. Zuri Murrell will discuss these options and determine which medication is most appropriate for you.

Immune system suppressors may also be used. Instead of treating the inflammation directly, these drugs reduce the effects of the immune system, which in turn causes the inflammation to die down. Immune system suppressors are often used in combination depending on your exact circumstances.

Finally, medication to control specific symptoms may be helpful. These include anti-diarrheals, laxatives and pain medication. Additionally, your doctor may even recommend a nutrition program to help the bowel rest and reduce inflammation.

Surgery

If these IBDs are not relieved by drug therapy or changes in diet, surgery is another option to directly control the symptoms.

The main form of surgery is partial resection of the inflamed portion of the bowel. During this surgery, your colorectal surgeon will surgically remove part of the bowel and reconnect the healthy portions. This surgery is also an opportunity to close anal fistulas or drain anal abscesses that may be developed from the disease. Overall, this type of surgery will provide patients with substantial relief for some period of time, although the disease does carry the risk of recurring. Medication will continue after surgery to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

Another type of surgery for Crohn's Disease treatment or ulcerative colitis treatment is called a strictureplasty. A stricture is a portion of the bowel that has become narrowed due to scar tissue from inflammation. A strictureplasty surgically widens the bowel, thus reducing symptoms that come from the narrowed portion. A strictureplasty may be done in multiple locations in the same surgery. Strictureplasty generally gets good results, with strictures rarely recurring at the site of the surgery.

Whatever your best treatment options may be, the colorectal specialists at the Colorectal Center Los Angeles will find them. With their sharp ability to analyze how exactly the disease is working, they can see the most effective way out. Following treatment, our patients report a reversal of symptoms and an ability to live a much more pleasant life. If you are suffering from either of these diseases and are looking for Crohn's Disease treatment or ulcerative colitis treatment in Los Angeles, please call our office today.

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