Features of the Center

1. High-volume center for IBD treatment

At this hospital, we treat approximately 1,000 patients with ulcerative colitis and approximately 500 patients with Crohn's disease, accepting patients not only from all prefectures in Kyushu, but also from as far away as the Kansai and Kanto regions. As the number of patients increases, we are building a structure that enables more advanced medical treatment, while working in cooperation with local medical institutions to improve the quality of medical care.

2. Advanced diagnostic technology and treatment

• Advanced diagnostic techniques
  We use gastrointestinal endoscopy (capsule endoscopy and double-balloon endoscopy), abdominal ultrasound, CT, gastrointestinal contrast examinations, etc. to conduct detailed evaluations of gastrointestinal lesions.
• The latest treatments including biological agents and JAK inhibitors
  At this center, we practice "shared decision-making (SDM)," where we propose the optimal treatment based on the patient's disease activity and lifestyle, and the patient and the doctor work together to decide on a treatment strategy. We also actively participate in clinical trials using newly developed drugs, which can be considered a type of advanced treatment.
• IBD surgical treatment
  At this center, we actively perform surgical treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Indications for surgery for ulcerative colitis (UC) are diverse, including severe/refractory cases, cases with an increased risk of cancer due to long-term illness, and cases resistant to medical treatment. In the surgical treatment of Crohn's disease (CD), we provide appropriate treatment for intestinal complications such as intestinal stenosis, fistula formation, and abscess formation, as well as anal lesions (anal fistula, rectal abscess, anal stenosis). In cases where colostomy is required, we work in cooperation with a specialized colostomy outpatient clinic to provide comprehensive care before and after surgery.
• Supporting pregnancy and delivery for IBD patients
  In collaboration with obstetrics and gynecology, we have set up a specialized consultation service for managing IBD during pregnancy. The service will help patients relieve their anxiety about pregnancy and childbirth and support them in having a safe delivery.

3. Team medical practice

Treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) requires comprehensive support from multiple professionals, not just internists and surgeons. This center has a team structure enabling such support, consisting of the Division of Nursing, Department of Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Nutrition, and the Community Health Care Center.

4. Main medical treatments and activities

• IBD Specialty Clinic
  The IBD Specialty Clinic provides consultations by IBD specialists from Monday through Friday. We work with local medical institutions to provide appropriate medical care. We provide specialized outpatient care for first-time patients and treatment-resistant IBD patients. If you would like to be referred for diagnosis or treatment of IBD, please contact our hospital's Community Health Care Center in advance.
• Gastroenterology Conference (held weekly)
  We hold a conference every Tuesday focusing on cases of patients hospitalized in the Department of Gastroenterology and Medicine. We are also open to cases involving outpatients and from other departments.
• IBD multidisciplinary conference (held monthly)
  The team, consisting of doctors from departments involved in IBD treatment (gastroenterology, gastroenterological surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, pathology, etc.), nurses, pharmacists, registered dietitians, other paramedical staff, and social workers, meets once a month to discuss cases and areas for improvement in each department, to practice team medicine.
• IBD classes (held four times a year)
  The center holds regular IBD classes to help IBD patients and their families deepen their understanding of the disease and use this knowledge to help them obtain appropriate treatment and manage their daily lives. In the class, specialists and cross-functional staff will give lectures on the latest treatment information and important points to note in daily life, and will also answer questions from patients.

5. To medical students and residents considering their future career paths

The center welcomes medical students and residents who are interested in IBD treatment to have a tour of the center and/or undergo training.

If you are interested, please feel free to contact us.