Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, conditions known collectively as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), are complex, painful and difficult-to-diagnose illnesses. An estimated 3 million U.S. adults are living with the chronic and debilitating disease.
The specialists with the UCI Health Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program offer state-of-the-science diagnosis and leading-edge medical and surgical therapies to treat these debilitating conditions.
Working at Orange County's only academic comprehensive IBD program, our gastrointestinal disease experts are dedicated to providing seamless, humane care to our patients — and to helping them cope with these life-disrupting diseases and the related conditions that can result.
The Joe C. Wen & Family Center for Advanced Care in Irvine expands access to outstanding adult and pediatric specialty care to coastal and south Orange County.
At UCI Health, we have built the region's only academic comprehensive program able to treat inflammatory bowel diseases from their earliest stages to their most complex, life-threatening manifestations.
Expert treatment
We are also one of the few clinical facilities in Southern California to use magnetic resonance (MR) enterography, which is fast becoming the first-line method for investigating suspected inflammatory bowel disease.
Unlike routine scans, which can detect some complications of Crohn’s disease, MR enterography can reveal inflammation and thickening in the small bowel walls, as well as other changes that are associated with these difficult-to-diagnose diseases.
Our highly skilled colorectal surgeons are leaders in the use of robot-assisted and laparoscopic techniques when surgery is indicated to treat complications of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. They are experts at performing ileo pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA), also known as J-pouch surgery, and stricturoplasty, a bowel-sparing procedure. Preservation of the small bowel is critical for patients with Crohn’s disease.
Personalized care and support
All our team members are highly sensitive to the psychosocial effects of these chronic diseases and we are dedicated to helping patients restore function and to improve their quality of life.
We have clinical social workers who help address the emotional and psychological needs of our patients and their families.In addition, we provide educational materials to help our patients manage their disease, as well as link them with support groups.
Our specialists also are trained to provide expert care to patients with temporary or permanent ostomy, a surgically created opening to the abdominal wall to pass fecal matter.
Community resource
The Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program is also a regional resource of information about Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. We offer educational programs for patients, their family members and community healthcare providers.
In partnership with the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America Greater Los Angeles/Orange County Chapter, we host an annual educational conference to highlight the latest developments in the rapidly evolving science and treatment of these debilitating digestive disorders.
Conditions and treatments
The UCI Health IBD specialists are the region's leading experts in the treatment of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, associated colorectal cancers and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Team approach
Our multidisciplinary team of gastroenterologists, internists, radiologists, pathologists and colorectal surgeons provide the most advanced diagnostic, medical and surgical treatments to patients suffering from these painful, chronic conditions.
Our team also includes clinical social workers to treat the psychosocial effects of this complex and chronic disease. We offer IBD patients an array of educational and support services aimed at helping them managing their disease and improving their quality of life.
Together, we treat the whole patient with the most advanced and compassionate care.
Research
There is no cure at this time for inflammatory bowel diseases, but much progress has been made in developing new therapies to keep the diseases under control and improve your quality of life.
Advancing IBD care
As Orange County’s only university-based IBD program, our UCI Health physicians and researchers are continually working on new therapies and participating in numerous clinical trials, including research on Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and related conditions.
For more information or to consult with our IBD team, please call us at 888-717-4463.
Our team
The UCI Health multidisciplinary IBD team includes not only Orange County's most experienced gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons, but also highly trained internists, radiologists, pathologists, nurses and clinical social workers.
We have four convenient locations — in Costa Mesa, Irvine, Orange and Tustin — where you can consult with our board-certified IBD experts and receive personalized attention.
UCI Health gastroenterologist Dr. Nimisha Parekh recognized as Woman of Impact
Dr. Nimisha Parekh is dedicated to the research and treatment of complex digestive disorders as well as the advancement of future health professionals.
