In 2002, Minnesota Gastroenterology opened its first clinic exclusively designed for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a disorder which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. As the need for these highly specialized services has grown, we now have IBD Clinics in Maplewood, Plymouth and at our pediatric office in St. Paul.

The goals of our IBD Clinics are to improve patient access and continuity of care; facilitate team conferencing among physicians and other providers; and provide efficient patient referral to clinical research studies and emerging therapies.

Electronic medical records capabilities help us communicate medication and treatment updates promptly with referring physicians.

Immunomodulator and Biologic Therapy

Traditional IBD treatments include steroids and surgery, both of which may be effective short-term, but are generally unsuccessful in maintaining remission. Significant side effects can also occur with these treatments.

Our IBD Clinics specialize in the delivery of effective, leading-edge medications, including immunomodulator and biologic therapies.

Immunomodulators, such as mercaptopurine and azathioprine, and biologic treatments like infliximab (Remicade®), adalimumab (Humira®) and certalizumab (Cimzia®), can effectively induce and maintain remission of IBD, while limiting the need for steroids. A newer agent, natalizumab (Tysabri®), is useful in treating particularly severe cases of Crohn's disease.

Infusion Therapy

Highly trained nurses at our infusion therapy locations administer biological anti-inflammatory treatments, such as Remicade®, Cimzia® and Tysabri®, in a relaxed, comfortable setting.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment,
call Minnesota Gastroenterology at 612.871.1145.