Since the University of Chicago founded the nation's first gastroenterology center in 1927, our board-certified specialists have pioneered research in all areas of gastroenterology, particularly Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Our IBD surgeons work closely with the University of Chicago gastroenterologists toward discovering the causes of IBD as well as the keys to controlling its impact on patients' lives.

The University of Chicago gastroenterologists and IBD surgeons have earned an international reputation for their research and successful treatment of all types of IBD. Currently, our specialists hold research grants from the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration and the pharmaceutical industry. Their approach to care includes:

• Beginning treatment conservatively to carefully measure patients' results before considering stronger medications.
• Treatment that improves and maintains your overall health and nutrition while relieving the discomfort and stress of IBD.
• An array of medications to treat the condition. We are one of a handful of research centers testing new IBD treatments and our physicians have extensive experience with even the newest medications.
• Surgery, when necessary, by University of Chicago surgeons who specialize in complex IBD surgery and work in concert with our gastroenterologists.

Clinical Trials for Better Treatment of IBD

We have been conducting clinical trials for people with all types of IBD for many years. Clinical trials help determine better ways of treating these problems. The studies are of varying lengths -- some as short as four or six weeks and others lasting over a year.

Some of the studies are "controlled" trials. This means that some individuals receive one or several doses of trial medication, while others receive a placebo - a substance that looks like the trial drug but does not contain an active ingredient. Neither the study participant nor the doctor and nurse conducting the study will know what dose the participant is receiving, or if he or she is receiving a placebo. This type of study is a very efficient way of determining a drugs' true benefit.

Other studies offer experimental medication on an open-label protocol. That means you will receive the investigational medication at a dose known to you and the doctor. You will be asked to return for evaluation on a pre-defined schedule so that your progress on the drug can be carefully monitored. These studies are often preliminary and provide Inflammatory Bowel Disease information about the safety of new medicines.

What to Expect from a Clinical Trial

Participants in our studies are required to schedule periodic visits at the University of Chicago Medical Center. During these visits, you will undergo a brief physical exam and some diagnostic tests in order to monitor your condition. These visits would occur about every two weeks to two months, depending on the requirements of the study.
The advantages for participating in a study include:

• Possibly receiving a newer, more effective drug for treating your condition
• Expert evaluation in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease
• Helping us develop new, improved therapies and increasing knowledge about the disease

Successful Trials Result in Better Treatments

Our gastroenterologists have discovered that ongoing treatment of IBD is more effective than periodic intervention when acute episodes occur. Our physicians monitor patient progress and pay careful attention to how the medications alleviate the discomfort and accommodate patients' lifestyles.

The University of Chicago IBD surgeons are:

Alessandro Fichera, MD
Roger Hurst, MD
Konstantin Umanskiy, MD

To learn more about our inflammatory bowel disease program and clinical trials, or to schedule an appointment with one of our surgeons, please call (773) 834-3524.