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Highly Specialized Treatment for Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

Up to 3 million Americans live with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a condition that involves inflammation in the lining of the colon, small intestine and other parts of the digestive tract. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are both forms of IBD. In addition to diarrhea, constipation and abdominal pain, IBD can lead to tiredness, decreased appetite, nutritional deficiencies, bowel obstruction and liver damage—making it potentially dangerous. Because nearly half of all patients with IBD will eventually need surgery to treat complications, it is beneficial to have a comprehensive digestive health team like the one at AdventHealth Digestive Institute Tampa.

Living Better with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

IBD is a chronic condition. Each patient will experience the disease differently, but generally patients will have flare-ups, receive treatment in the form of medicine or surgery, and then experience remission. Because of the recurrent nature of this disease, having an IBD-experienced medical team in place can reduce the frequency of flare ups, prolong periods of remission, and allow you to participate in normal daily routines and enjoy activities.

 

The Difference Between Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are both considered IBD, but there are a few differences between them. Ulcerative colitis affects the colon and rectum, while Crohn’s disease can involve any part of the digestive tract. With ulcerative colitis, the damaged tissues usually begin in the rectum and may spread upwards into the colon. With Crohn’s disease, damaged tissue can be patchy, with these damaged patches surrounded by healthy tissue.

Finally, ulcerative colitis involves inflammation only in the innermost layer of the colon lining. The inflammation of Crohn’s disease can be spread throughout the walls of the digestive tract. In rare cases, some patients with IBD have what is known as indeterminate colitis (IC). This is when it is too difficult to tell if they have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. However, it is usually possible to diagnose IC as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis later as the disease progresses.

Less Invasive Surgical Options to Treat Crohn’s and Colitis

At any time, patients could experience complications from IBD that require surgery. It is helpful to be treated by an experienced team of doctors who can fully coordinate care for IBD. When surgery is needed, colon and rectal surgeons Dr. Allen Chudzinski, Dr. Haane Massarotti and Dr. Gavin Sigle are able to offer minimally invasive procedures for IBD. Instead of a large open incision, patients benefit from surgeries that require only three to five incisions the size of keyholes. Our colon and rectal surgeons are even able to offer J-pouch surgery, an advanced procedure that allows patients to live without an external ostomy bag.

Onsite Infusion, Laboratory and Vaccination Services

Patients with IBD often need medical treatment in the form of infusion services, and AdventHealth Digestive Institute Tampa provides these treatments onsite. We also offer onsite laboratory services such as blood tests unique to IBD. And, because it is particularly important for those with IBD to protect themselves against viruses, patients can also be vaccinated for influenza, shingles, pneumonia and human papilloma virus (HPV) right at AdventHealth Digestive Institute Tampa.

If you have been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis and would like an appointment with a gastroenterologist who is dedicated to treating IBD, call the AdventHealth Digestive Institute Tampa at 813-615-7557.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Conditions and Treatments

  • Crohn's Disease

    Learn more about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of Crohn's disease

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  • Ulcerative Colitis

    AdventHealth Digestive Institute Tampa gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons focus on treatment for colitis and irritable bowel syndrome.

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  • Surgical Treatment for IBD

    If medicine no longer works for treating Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, surgery may be necessary.

    Learn More

  • Endoscopy Services for IBD

    Our compassionate medical staff is committed to providing high-quality healthcare services in Hillsborough County.

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  • Infusion Services

    Sometimes medicine works better when it’s injected directly into the bloodstream, which is where infusion therapy comes in. Learn more about infusion services today.

    Learn More
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Faster Recoveries. Better Outcomes.

Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery

All the surgeons at the Digestive Health Institute (DHI) at AdventHealth Tampa have a large depth of experience in offering minimally invasive surgery. 

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Meet The Experts

Dr. Allen Chudzinski

Allen Chudzinski

MD, FACS, FASCRS

Colon and Rectal Surgeon

Dr. Haane Massarotti

Haane Massarotti

MD, FACS, FASCRS

Colon and Rectal Surgeon

Gavin Sigle, MD, colon and rectal surgeon

Gavin Sigle

MD, FACS, FASCRS

Colon and Rectal Surgeon

Shreya Patel

Shreya Patel

MSN, FNP-C, ARNP

Nurse Practitioner

Meet Our Full Team
Dr. Cory O'Brien checking patient's throat at AdventHealth Digestive Health Institute Tampa.

Surgical Consultations For Digestive Cancer Without The Wait

Appointments Within 5 Days for Patients with Cancer

At AdventHealth Digestive Institute Tampa, we know that after being diagnosed with cancer, patients want and often need to begin treatment quickly. So we make it a priority to offer appointments for cancer surgery consultations within 5 business days, and often earlier. 

Patients who are newly diagnosed with cancer, or have just found out they have cancer recurrence, qualify for this priority access. Our surgeons will make themselves available to see you right away, even for a second opinion. We want to help you start your treatment as soon as possible.

If you have been diagnosed with a cancer of the digestive system, don’t wait. 
Call the Digestive Health Institute at 813-615-7557.

Learn More About Our Surgical Cancer Care Program

News and Info

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Blog

At SSO 2021, Digestive Institute Surgeon Shows That Robotic Surgery for Complex Liver and Bile Duct Tumors Is Possible

On March 18, Iswanto Sucandy, MD, FACS, advanced HPB (liver, pancreas and bile duct) surgeon at AdventHealth Digestive Institute Tampa (DI), gave two presentations at the Society of Surgical Oncology’s (SSO) International Conference on Surgical Conference Care. Because of the ongoing COVID-19...

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Dr. Sucandy, Dr. Rosemurgy speaking to Dr. Ross at a table
Blog

Digestive Institute’s Dr. Iswanto Sucandy Instructs International Audience of Surgeons About Robotic Liver Surgery

In March, Iswanto Sucandy, MD, FACS, advanced HPB (liver, pancreas and bile duct) surgeon at the AdventHealth Digestive Institute Tampa (DI), discussed robotic liver surgery at the 54th Annual Congress of the Korean Association of HPB Surgeons. Also known as “HPB Surgery Week 2021,” the conference...

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Dr. Sucandy, Dr. Rosemurgy and Dr. Ross having a discussion together at a table.
Blog

Digestive Institute Shares Its Expertise in Robotic Liver and Bile Duct Cancer Surgery for American College of Surgeons Educational Webinar

Recently, Iswanto Sucandy, MD, FACS, advanced HPB (liver, pancreas and bile duct) surgeon, shared two DI video presentations as part of a live educational webinar put on by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). The ACS is the largest professional group for surgeons in the world. It has more than...

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