MedStar Georgetown University Hospital offers comprehensive, state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment services for IBD patients, including:
Endoscopy for IBD
An endoscopy is a diagnostic technique that uses a thin, flexible tube with a small camera attached at the end. Your doctor inserts the endoscope into an existing opening in your body, using it to diagnose and sometimes even treat complications of IBD. There are a number of different types of endoscopies:
- Upper endoscopy, colonoscopy and wireless video capsule are techniques we use to diagnose the disease and assess the extent of the disease and your response to treatment.
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a very accurate imaging technique we use to assess perianal disease. EUS assists the surgeon in determining the best treatment approach for perianal abscesses and fistulas.
- Chromoendoscopy and confocal endomicroscopy are advanced imaging techniques of the colonic mucosa that detect abnormal changes and precancerous lesions (dysplasia) that a regular colonoscopy can miss. We use these techniques when performing colorectal cancer surveillance in certain high-risk IBD patients.
Medical Treatment for IBD
Our goal is to induce and maintain remission of the disease while minimizing medication side effects. Every patient is unique and requires a different medical and surgical approach or a combination of both.
At our IBD Center, we offer an onsite infusion center for the administration of biologic agents (Remicade, Cimzia, Tysabri). Sessions are available Monday through Friday during working hours as well as Saturday morning. Qualified nurses monitor you during the entire infusion and work in close contact with the prescribing gastroenterologist.
Our IBD coordinator assists you in setting up the infusion appointments and provides guidance for drug assistance programs if needed.
Radiology for IBD
Our state-of-the-art radiology department offers magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enterography and computed tomography (CT) enterography to assess small bowel Crohn’s disease and fistulizing disease. Our interventional radiology department offers minimally invasive nonsurgical treatment options to drain intra-abdominal abscess in patients with Crohn’s disease.
IBD Surgery
Our colorectal surgeon has a special focus in managing surgical complications of IBD. Surgical treatment may be necessary for complications of Crohn’s disease. These include bowel stricture and fistula. Additionally, perianal abscesses and fistulas often require expert surgical treatment. If you have severe ulcerative colitis or you have disease refractory to medical treatment (disease that does not respond to medication), it can often be managed with resection and J-pouch formation.
Biliary and Liver Services
IBD patients can develop biliary (primary sclerosing cholangitis or PSC) and liver complications as a result of the disease or the medical treatment. MedStar Georgetown University Hospital is home to the Gastroenterology Center of Excellence and the Transplant Institute Center of Excellence providing services such as:
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
- Consultation with liver specialists
- Liver transplant evaluation when deemed necessary
