Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encompassing Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis is a chronic, relapsing condition characterised by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhoea, rectal bleeding, fatigue, and unintentional weight loss can be debilitating, and the condition carries long-term implications for colorectal cancer risk and nutritional health. Expert gastroenterological management is essential to achieving and maintaining remission, preventing complications, and preserving quality of life.
Dr Lekharaju has extensive experience in the diagnosis and long-term management of IBD, including the use of immunosuppressant therapies, biologic agents, and targeted small-molecule treatments. His approach is collaborative and personalised — working with each patient to find the treatment strategy that delivers the best possible disease control with the fewest side effects, and monitoring closely to detect and address any complications early.
What's involved
The approach
- Comprehensive initial assessment clinical history, examination, blood tests, stool calprotectin, and imaging
- Colonoscopy with biopsy to confirm diagnosis, assess disease extent, and guide treatment decisions
- Personalised medical therapy — including aminosalicylates, immunosuppressants, biologics (anti-TNF, vedolizumab, ustekinumab), and JAK inhibitors where appropriate
- Regular surveillance colonoscopy to monitor mucosal healing and screen for dysplasia
Afterwards
Long-term management
- Structured follow-up with disease activity monitoring — clinical, biochemical, and endoscopic assessment
- Treatment step-up or step-down based on response — with careful attention to safety and tolerability
- Nutritional assessment and bone health monitoring as part of comprehensive IBD care
- Rapid access for flare management — avoiding unnecessary hospital admissions where possible
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis affects only the large bowel and rectum, with continuous inflammation of the inner lining. Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract and involves transmural (full-thickness) inflammation, often in a patchy pattern.
Can IBD be cured?
There is currently no medical cure for IBD. However, with the right treatment strategy, the majority of patients achieve sustained remission — with minimal impact on their day-to-day life. Surgery can be curative for ulcerative colitis in selected cases.
Are biologic treatments safe?
Biologic therapies are now well-established treatments for moderate to severe IBD and have a strong safety record when monitored appropriately. Dr Lekharaju will discuss the benefits and risks in detail before initiating any therapy.
Will I need regular colonoscopies?
Yes — patients with longstanding IBD require regular surveillance colonoscopy to assess mucosal healing and screen for colorectal cancer. The frequency depends on disease extent, duration, and other risk factors.
How quickly can I be seen in a flare?
Dr Lekharaju prioritises patients experiencing a flare — same-week or emergency appointments are available where clinically required. There is a direct clinic line for established patients between scheduled appointments.
