Our Program

The mission of USC’s Center for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is to provide comprehensive and compassionate care to patients with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and microscopic colitis. We recognize the physical and emotional challenges that come with a diagnosis of IBD and we work with each patient to develop a customized approach to effective treatment that minimizes side effects. Our goal is to get patients feeling better and minimize the impact of the disease process on daily living.

Our Approach

Our multidisciplinary team includes specialized gastroenterologists, colorectal surgeons, nutritionists, radiologists, pathologists, and nurses that work closely to ensure patient-centered and evidence-based care. Our team meets regularly to discuss how each patient’s health, nutrition and overall quality of life can be improved through medical treatments, education and counseling.

Medical Expertise

Our specialized gastroenterologists have completed additional training in the care of IBD patients and are experienced with the most advanced and effective medical regimens that are available. They are committed to close monitoring for side effects of medications and of disease-related complications. They are also actively conducting research to better understand the causes of this disease and offer access to promising therapies not yet available at other institutions.

Promising clinical trials include:

Promising phase 3 trials of an oral (pill-form) medication called Mongerson for Crohn’s disease and a novel biologic for ulcerative colitis which blocks a key molecule (IL-23) in the inflammation cascade which is overactive in IBD
A large international study to determine the importance of regular monitoring of Crohn’s disease with colonoscopies to check for healing of intestinal mucosal lining, specifically if it avoids hospitalizations and surgeries over the long-term
Several medications from the anti-TNF class of drugs have been approved for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Keck Medicine of USC is evaluating another medication from this group, certolizumab, which appears to not cross the placenta, to determine its safety for pregnant and breastfeeding women

Surgical Expertise

We have surgeons that are board certified in colorectal surgery and national leaders in the American Society of Colorectal Surgeons. Together, they form one of the largest, most experienced, and most comprehensive colorectal surgery group in the region. They are specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of complex disorders commonly found with IBD including fissures, fistulas, refractory colitis, strictures, and colorectal cancer. Their skills include advanced endoscopic, minimally invasive and traditional surgical techniques, including ileoanal “J-pouch” surgeries and Crohn’s disease-related stricture repair/resection. Many of these can be performed thorough smaller incisions that allows faster recovery. While an intestinal stoma or bag is a common part of surgery, most of these are temporary. Our team can explain what options exist for a given problem, and how best to approach it. Many of these options are not available at other institutions.