Inflammatory Bowel Disease | Colorectal Practice

Be on the lookout for IBD and stay ahead of these highly disruptive but preventable diseases.

How does Inflammatory Bowel Disease affect me?

As its name suggests, inflammatory bowel disease refers to a group of conditions that cause inflammation in the digestive tract. The two most common IBDs are ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. If left untreated, IBD can lead to life-threatening complications such as colon cancer or bowel perforation.

To diagnose IBD, our colon surgeon will analyse your family and personal history of IBD and ask you about your bowel movements. Colonoscopy and biopsy may then be performed to confirm the diagnosis. Blood and stool exams may also be conducted alongside imaging tests to rule out other conditions.

Colorectal Practice is dedicated to keeping your colon healthy through comprehensive preventive care and treatments.

To schedule a consultation with our colorectal specialists, please call 6262 1226.

What are the symptoms of IBD?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease typically manifests with the following symptoms:

Diarrhoea
Chronic abdominal pain or cramps
Fever
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Blood in stool

Additionally, there are risk factors that may contribute to the possibility of contracting IBD. Age, cigarette use, family history and a weak immune system are some of the factors that can lead to the condition.

How is IBD Treated?

Depending on the severity of your condition, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antibiotics and immune suppressants may be prescribed to lower the inflammation and stave off further complications.

You should aim to make lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, drinking more water and increasing your frequency of exercise. It is also recommended to adopt a high-fibre diet to prevent further stress on the digestive tract and ease bowel movements.

In severe cases of IBD, colon surgery may be required and we may remove part or all of the inflamed intestine. The type of surgery depends on a few factors; whether you have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, the location of the disease in your intestines, any complications you face and the severity of your illness.

If you have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, different surgical methods will be required to help treat your IBD.

Resection

The diseased and damage portion of the tract will be removed, and the remaining two ends will be combined with either stitches or staples. This can be used on both the small and large intestines to regain regular bowel movements.

Strictureplasty

This is a method of stitching that is used to expand the narrow portions of the small intestine to allow for food to pass. Because the length of the intestine is not affected, nutrient absorption is not significantly affected.

Proctocolectomy

This refers to the removal of the rectum and all or part of the colon. Often a last resort, patients who undergo this will have to pass waste using a stoma that is attached to an opening on their lower abdomen.

Because IBD presents a higher risk of developing colon cancer, we recommend that regular and timely colonoscopies be scheduled to monitor for potential colon cancer development.

Comprehensive Range of Colorectal Services for Your Peace of Mind

We tailor our treatments based on your lifestyle requirements and healthcare needs. At our colorectal clinic, we believe in providing personalized care as it allows for better surgical outcomes and creates a supportive environment for our patients.

For a detailed consultation, contact us at 6262 1226 or fill up the contact form below.