Mission/Values
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of disorders characterized by inflammation of the small intestine and colon. The specialists at UC San Diego Health System Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center diagnose and treat people with IBD from around the world. Our leadership in IBD medical research means that you have access to clinical trials for the newest therapies and advanced surgical techniques for the treatment of this challenging condition.
IBD affects an estimated two million Americans of all ages and backgrounds. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the two primary forms of IBD. They share many symptoms including stomach pain, cramping, bleeding and urgency to use the bathroom. After prolonged inflammation, IBD can lead to the development of cancers of the digestive tract. The causes of IBD are unknown.
Our Mission: To be the best inflammatory bowel disease center in the world.
Our Vision: To continue to build and improve a center of learning, compassion and integrity while treating inflammatory bowel disease through clinical care, education and clinical and laboratory research.
Our Values: Through compassion, education, integrity, teamwork and quality care, our clinical, research and administrative teams all work together to effectively provide the best health care environment possible for our patients.
Read more about IBD diagnosis, treatment and clinical trials at UC San Diego Health System.
Crohn's Disease
Crohn’s disease can involve the entire digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. It can involve the esophagus, small bowel (small intestine), the large intestine (colon), stomach, rectum and anus. About 25 percent of patients have inflammation of the small bowel only. About 40 percent have inflammation of the small bowel and the right colon, and about 35 percent of patients have inflammation of the colon only. Unlike ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease impacts the entire wall of the bowel (known as transmural inflammation). The main symptoms are abdominal cramping (especially if the small bowel is involved) and diarrhea (especially if the colon is involved), or if the patient has had surgery. If Crohn’s disease is not treated, the inflammation can progress to complications including bowel blockage or stricture, or perforation of the bowel. Perforation of the bowel can lead to the formation of pockets of puss and infections (abscesses) or the formation of tunnels going to the skin and other organs (fistulas).
Read more about the diagnosis and treatment of Crohn's disease.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative Colitis (UC) affects the lining (mucosa) of the large intestine (colon). It can involve just the lower colon or rectum (ulcerative proctitis) or the entire colon (known as pancolitis). The main symptoms are rectal bleeding, diarrhea and sudden urges to go to the bathroom.
Inflammatory bowel disease is not the same as irritable bowel syndrome.
Leading-edge care for ulcerative colitis at UC San Diego Health System.
UC San Diego Health System has made landmark achievements in medical therapy and minimally invasive surgerical techniques to achieve remission of symptoms in people with IBD. Led by William Sandborn, MD, the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center unites the expertise of gastroenterologists, radiologists, nutritional health experts, surgeons and digestive disease physician-scientists to deliver comprehensive, innovative care.
Read more about the diagnosis and treatment of ulcerative colitis.
IBD Center Resources
Clinic Locations and Phone Numbers
UC San Diego Medical Center
200 West Arbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92103
UC San Diego Thornton Hospital
9300 Campus Point Drive
La Jolla, CA 92037
Perlman Medical Offices
9350 Campus Point Drive
La Jolla, CA 92037
New patients: 800-926-8273
To refer a patient: 855-543-0555
Links
Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA)
A nonprofit organization dedicated to finding cures for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The CCFA website has resources for living with IBD and more information on symptoms, diagnosis of CD and UC and research developments and more.
MedlinePlus: Crohn’s Disease
An extensive online resource for Chrohn's disease information from the National Institutes of Health. The site includes information on symptoms, procedures, research, journal articles, statistics and other patient education materials provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
MedlinePlus: Ulcerative Colitis
An extensive online resource for Ulcerative Colitis information from the National Institutes of Health. The site includes information on symptoms, procedures, research, journal articles, statistics and other patient education materials provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
As a result of Crohn's Disease, Florida resident Jamie Mendelsohn suffered for years. She found her way to UC San Diego and Dr. William Sandborn, Chief of Gastroenterology with UC San Diego Health System.