Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) –such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis – are lifelong conditions that can significantly impact daily life. Cooper Gastroenterology has created a dedicated IBD center to provide comprehensive, personalized care for patients living with these complex diseases.
Our integrated team of specialists understands the challenges you encounter living IBD and provides advanced diagnostics, individualized treatment plans, and ongoing support to help you manage the long-term aspects of the disease and improve your quality of life.
Unlike many medical centers that group IBD with other digestive disorders, Cooper’s IBD Center focuses solely on IBD. Our services cover all stages of disease, including:
- Disease evaluation and education
- Dietary counseling
- Nutritional services
- Medication management
- Advanced imaging techniques
- Minimally invasive endoscopic and surgical interventions
What Is Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
IBD refers to chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which runs from the mouth down to the rectum. IBD is the umbrella term for two chronic, conditions – Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Both conditions are often confused because they may have similar symptoms; however, the diseases affect different parts of the GI tract:
- Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the GI tract
- Ulcerative colitis is limited to the colon
Although the cause of IBD remains unknown, genetic, environmental, and immune system factors may play a role. for IBD typically involves the use of anti-inflammatory medication and sometimes surgery.
Diagnosing IBD
Your doctor may recommend the following tests to evaluate your symptoms and diagnose IBD:
- Blood tests
- Stool tests
- Imaging tests like X-rays, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging
- Endoscopic procedures like colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, capsule endoscopy, and flexible sigmoidoscopy to evaluate the GI tract
Cooper’s highly trained and experienced team of IBD specialists uses advanced technologies to thoroughly evaluate your symptoms and diagnose IBD.
IBD Flare-Ups and Hospital Care
If you experience a flare-up of your IBD, are having trouble managing your symptoms, or your symptoms worsen, you may need to be admitted to the hospital. Hospital stays for IBD-related problems may last a few days, although the length of the stay depends upon each person’s unique circumstances and how long it will take to get a flare-up under control.
Innovation and Research
Cooper’s IBD specialists have a track record of conducting state-of-the-art research and publishing peer-reviewed articles on IBD treatment and outcomes. Cooper maintains a robust in-house registry to evaluate the real-world effectiveness of IBD treatments – particularly biological therapies – helping to advance care for our patients and beyond.
Why Choose Cooper for IBD Care
Cooper’s Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center offers several unique advantages:
- Comprehensive approach to disease evaluation and management: We offer patients access to advanced diagnostic testing and treatment options such as specialized laboratory testing, state-of-the-art imaging, medication management, and minimally invasive endoscopic and surgical intervention.
- Multidisciplinary team of specialists: Our team includes gastroenterologists, surgeons, rheumatologists, dermatologists, nutritionists, and psychologists who work together to address every aspect of your care.
- Personalized plan of care for Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and IBD: Every patient coping with IBD is unique. Your disease management may include routine surveillance, biological therapies, and lifestyle modification. The gastroenterologists in the Cooper IBD Center develop an individualized plan of care for each patient.
- Specialty services: Cooper Gastroenterology has programs to address the impact of IBD on fertility, pregnancy, and post-partum care.
- Patient-centered environment: Our goal is to make your experience as comfortable and tress-free as possible. Our facilities are designed to ensure privacy, comfort, and convenience.
- State-of-the-art facilities: The Cooper IBD Center is located in Mount Laurel at Cooper Gastroenterology, the largest outpatient GI center in South Jersey. Just minutes from Exit 4 of the NJ Turnpike and Exit 36 of I-295, and a short drive from Marlton, Voorhees, Moorestown, and Philadelphia, the IBD Center shares Cooper Gastroenterology's state-of-the-art procedure suites and examination, treatment, and recovery rooms.
Schedule an Appointment
To schedule an appointment with a Cooper IBD specialist, please call 800.8.COOPER (800.826.6737).