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Inflammatory Bowel Disease Specialist

Colon and Rectal Clinic of Tampa Bay Lourdes T Santiago , MD Our Services Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Colon and Rectal Clinic of Tampa Bay

Lourdes T Santiago , MD

Colorectal Surgery & General Surgery located in Clearwater, FL

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a serious digestive condition that affects the structure and function of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Though treatment varies, some people with IBD need surgery to ease symptoms. Lourdes Santiago, MD, at the Colon and Rectal Clinic of Tampa Bay in Clearwater, Florida, specializes in abdominal and colorectal surgery for the treatment of IBD. To schedule a consultation with this board-certified general surgeon, call the office or book an appointment online today.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Q&A

What is inflammatory bowel disease?

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to a group of disorders that cause inflammation in the digestive tract. There are two main types of IBD: ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation in the large intestine. The inflammation only affects the innermost layer of the large intestine.

Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease may cause inflammation anywhere along the digestive tract — mouth to anus. However, most people have inflammation in the small intestine and a portion of the large intestine.

The inflammation in Crohn’s disease affects all the layers of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. 

What are the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease?

IBD symptoms vary depending on the type and location of the inflammation. Common symptoms include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Changes in bowel habits
  • Poor appetite
  • Bloody bowel movements
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Gas and bloating

People with IBD go through periods of flare-ups and remission. When you have symptoms, you have IBD flares. 

What are the surgical treatments for inflammatory bowel disease?

Most people with IBD get good results from medical management of their disease. However, you may need surgery at the Colon and Rectal Clinic of Tampa Bay if you have a complication, such as an abscess or fistula.

Surgical treatments for IBD may include:

Small bowel resection

Dr. Santiago may perform a small bowel resection if you have a complication from Crohn’s disease. During this procedure, she removes the diseased portion of your small bowel.

Colectomy 

During a colectomy, Dr. Santiago removes part or all of your colon. She performs this procedure to treat complications from Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

Proctocolectomy

For a proctocolectomy, Dr. Santiago removes the colon and rectum. She performs this procedure for patients with severe ulcerative colitis. A proctocolectomy eliminates ulcerative colitis symptoms. 

Anal fissure repair

IBD may lead to an anal fissure, which is a tear in the anal tissue. Dr. Santiago performs procedures to repair this tear.

Dr. Santiago is a skilled surgeon who uses advanced minimally invasive surgical tools and techniques when performing surgery for IBD, including robotic colorectal surgery. Her techniques reduce incision sizes and recovery time.

To schedule a surgical consultation with Dr. Santiago, call the Colon and Rectal Clinic of Tampa Bay or book an appointment online today.

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