Colitis & Crohn's Disease

Colitis & Crohn's Disease

Get individualized care for IBD, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

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Why choose UCSF Health for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease care?

Since 2001, we have been a leading provider of trusted, comprehensive inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) care. People travel from all over the world to receive IBD treatment at UCSF Health. Our IBD specialists see over 3,000 people per year, providing advanced, individualized therapy that helps them feel their best.

Your team of experts works together to provide attentive, effective care. Whether you're ready to start a family or want to optimize your medications, we speak with you about your goals and help you reach them with a personalized IBD care plan.

  • Customized IBD therapy

    Your providers tailor your care plan to your preferences, goals and health needs.

  • Intestinal ultrasound for monitoring IBD

    We are one of the first and most experienced hospitals in the U.S. offering intestinal ultrasound to monitor IBD in adult patients.

  • Second opinions for complex cases

    We offer in-person and virtual appointments for complex IBD cases, helping you make informed care decisions.

  • Collaborative team

    Our ulcerative colitis and Crohn's experts work with other UCSF Health specialists to tailor your care and provide holistic treatments.

  • Accessible providers

    Your care team responds to messages and calls, giving you timely support and reassurance throughout your care journey.

  • Access to new IBD treatments

    As global leaders in IBD research, we offer access to promising treatments that are not yet widely available.

Colitis and Crohn's disease care at UCSF Health

Our team cares for people with inflammatory bowel disease, including:

  • Crohn's disease

  • Ulcerative colitis

  • Pouchitis

  • Microscopic or collagenous colitis

We also specialize in treating colitis and Crohn's disease in:

  • Older adults (60 and older)

  • LGBTQ+ individuals

  • Pregnant people and those planning to become pregnant

We help you manage IBD symptoms with medication, nutritional therapy and lifestyle changes. Through MyChart, we offer daily reminders to help you stay on track with your IBD care.

Your IBD care team

Your team may include many different specialists, helping us provide the full spectrum of care:

  • Gastroenterologists

  • Nurse practitioners

  • Pharmacists

  • Nutritionists

  • Rheumatologists

  • Colorectal surgeons

  • Maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialists

Intestinal ultrasound for IBD

UCSF Health is one of the only hospitals in the U.S. offering intestinal ultrasound to monitor IBD. This imaging technique is typically more convenient and comfortable than an MRI or endoscopy procedure. You and your doctor discuss whether an intestinal ultrasound is right for you.

We may recommend an intestinal ultrasound to assess:

  • Your body's response to new medication

  • Healing after surgery

  • IBD complications, such as an abscess or fistula

Second opinions for IBD

Our experts offer second opinions for complex IBD. You may choose to see us either virtually or in person.

You may consider getting a second opinion if:

  • Medication and other treatments are not controlling your IBD symptoms.

  • Your provider recommends surgery for colitis or Crohn's disease.

  • You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

IBD care for pregnancy

We are global leaders in preconception and pregnancy care for people with IBD. If you have ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, pregnancy may require extra medication management and care from a complex obstetric medicine specialist.

Our gastroenterologists work with your maternal-fetal medicine specialist to provide comprehensive care, making sure you and your baby are safe before, during and after pregnancy.

Surgery for colitis and Crohn's disease

When other treatments aren't relieving IBD symptoms, your provider may recommend surgery. Our skilled colorectal surgeons perform surgery for colitis and Crohn's disease, helping you find relief from painful symptoms.

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    Recognized excellence

    Our commitment to patient-centered care has earned us notable recognition.

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    Kid-focused IBD care

    Children with inflammatory bowel disease, including colitis and Crohn's disease, get advanced care from pediatric specialists.
    Pediatric IBD care