UAB Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine Department of Surgery Gastrointestinal Associate Professor Dr. Daniel Chu and Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Assistant Professor Dr. Kirk Russ discuss current trends and treatments of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, on UAB MedCast.

Due to its complexity, IBD typically requires a multifaceted approach to both medical and surgical management. As treatment practices advance, strategies to mitigate the effect of IBD have improved.

Dr. Russ emphasizes the importance of an interdisciplinary colorectal team consisting of gastroenterologists, colorectal surgeons, psychologists, pharmacists, and nutritionists in creating and executing a treatment plan. IBD patients often have higher instances of depression and anxiety, which can also make a psychologist or psychiatrist an essential component of the treatment matrix. 

Medication management has shifted over the past 20 years, since the approval of key biological and small therapies, to prevent long-term, structural damage to the bowels and complications of prolonged inflammation.

Dr. Chu says dietary modification has now become a focused component of treatment for IBD aligning with research findings on biologics and biosimilars to aid in symptom control. Particularly among the pediatric population, this is the preferred method as opposed to steroid treatments.

With the advancements in surgical treatments for IBD, procedures have become more effective and minimally invasive, which reduces overall healing and recovery times.

To listen to the episode, click here.