IBD SA is strengthened by its gastroenterologists having special interests within the IBD field. Patients gain access to this wider experience through the gastroenterologists’ interactions on their behalf.
Dr Paul Spizzo, Dr Sam Edwards, Dr Chris Hrycek
Working at Flinders Medical Centre, Dr Spizzo, Dr Hrycek and Dr Edwards have developed an interest in the management of IBD in pregnancy. Dr Hrycek, one of the few gastroenterologists in Adelaide with dual training in internal medicine and gastroenterology, is especially well placed to manage gastroenterological issues in pregnancy. Patients with IBD should, and can, have just as good outcomes compared to those without IBD, and our aim is to ensure that when it is at all possible.
Dr Peter Bampton
Patients who have had IBD for a long period of time are at increased risk of colorectal cancer. However, this risk is greatly reduced by having good disease control, and regular surveillance colonoscopies. Patients in whom it is felt are at risk of colorectal cancer can be enrolled by their IBD SA gastroenterologist into the SCOOP program, which ensures the provision of quality, evidenced based care recalling the patient to see their gastroenterologists at appropriate intervals. This program was developed by Dr Bampton, and is now one of the largest surveillance programs for patients at risk of colorectal cancer in Australia.
IBD SA has adopted the concept that diet can be a primary therapy for Crohn’s disease. Our dietitians and some of our gastroenterologists have completed courses in the CDED, and are more than happy to work with patients to maximise the clinical benefit of using diet in the control of disease. Our practitioners have been actively involved in research in this area at Royal Adelaide Hospital.
The psychologists who work with IBD SA have a keen interest in the mind-gut connection, and are active in research in this field. There is evidence that some psychological techniques may be beneficial in not only wellbeing, but also in disease control. This is part of the holistic approach to IBD that we feel is so important. Our practitioners are active in research in this area, examining the role of cognitive behavioural therapy and gut focussed hypnotherapy, as well as other approaches to the mind-gut axis that could be of benefit for patients with IBD.
Dr Chris Hrycek
IBD SA recognises that patients who live in remote, or rural settings can find it difficult to access specialist care. This is especially the case for Dr Hrycek, who grew up in country South Australia. We offer telehealth options, and our practitioners visit a number of country and remote areas in both South Australia and the Northern Territory.
Dr Alex Barnes, Dr Paul Spizzo
Patients with IBD often have fatigue, and disordered sleep patterns. It is known that poor sleep can affect gut function adversely, yet there has been little research into this area in IBD. Dr Barnes and Dr Spizzo are actively researching this area in conjunction with the Australian Institute of Sleep Health. If you wish to be involved in this area of research, please contact the IBD nurse specialists for further information.
Dr Paul Spizzo, Dr Arvind Rajagopalan, Dr Peter Bampton, Dr Hamish Philpott
IBD SA is committed to providing as many treatment options as possible for patients with IBD. We have links with Flinders Medical Centre, the Royal Adelaide Hospital and the Lyell McEwen Hospital. If there are clinical trials of new drugs that might one day be of use in IBD that might be an option for your care, we can refer you for these trials.
During this time, your care will be provided by the hospital where the trial is being conducted, although your IBD SA Gastroenterologist will remain involved and you will remain part of the IBD SA program.