A Comprehensive Guide to Crohn's Disease Treatment in India

Is Crohn's disease making life difficult for you or someone you care about? Finding the right treatment can be really tough and overwhelming. But what if you knew there was a place offering top-notch care and cutting-edge treatments? India is becoming a go-to destination for medical tourism, known for its advanced therapies and compassionate care for Crohn's disease. In this guide, we'll look at the best hospitals, leading specialists, and innovative treatments available in India. Imagine being able to manage your symptoms better and improve your quality of life with expert care. Ready to see how India can help you on this journey? Let's explore the amazing options waiting for you.

Crohn's Disease Treatment Options in India

India offers a comprehensive range of treatment options for Crohn's disease, combining advanced medical technologies with holistic approaches to ensure optimal patient care. Here are the primary treatment options and procedures available:

1. Medication:

a. Aminosalicylates: Anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat mild to moderate symptoms, helping reduce inflammation in the lining of the intestine.

b. Corticosteroids: Used for short-term treatment during flare-ups to control inflammation rapidly. They are not recommended for long-term use due to potential side effects.

c. Immunomodulators: Drugs that suppress the immune system to prevent ongoing inflammation. Common immunomodulators include azathioprine and methotrexate.

d. Biologics: Biologic therapies like infliximab, adalimumab, and vedolizumab target specific proteins involved in inflammation, used for moderate to severe Crohn's disease.

e. Antibiotics: Prescribed in cases of infections or abscesses to manage bacterial complications, such as ciprofloxacin and metronidazole.

2. Surgery:

a. Resection: Surgical removal of the affected portion of the intestine is necessary when medication fails to control symptoms or when complications like strictures or fistulas develop.

b. Strictureplasty: This procedure widens narrowed sections of the intestine without removing any part of it, preserving intestinal length and function.

c. Proctocolectomy and Ileostomy: In severe cases, the colon and rectum are removed, and an opening (stoma) is created for waste to exit the body through the abdominal wall.

d. Fistula Repair: Surgery to close abnormal connections (fistulas) between different parts of the intestine or between the intestine and other organs.

e. Abscess Drainage: Procedure to drain pus from an infected area, often performed under ultrasound or CT guidance.

f. Bowel Diversion Surgery: Creating a stoma to divert waste and allow the bowel to heal, which can be temporary or permanent.

3. Dietary and Nutritional Therapy:

a. Enteral Nutrition: A liquid diet rich in nutrients can help manage symptoms and promote healing during flare-ups, often used as a primary treatment in pediatric cases.

b. Dietary Modifications: Patients may be advised to follow specific diets, such as low-residue or low-fiber diets, to minimize symptoms and prevent blockages.

c. Nutritional Supplements: Vitamin and mineral supplements are often necessary to address deficiencies caused by malabsorption.

4. Alternative and Complementary Therapies:

a. Probiotics: Beneficial bacteria that can help restore the natural balance of the gut microbiota and may reduce symptoms.

b. Herbal and Natural Supplements: Some patients find relief with supplements like turmeric, aloe vera, and omega-3 fatty acids, although scientific evidence is limited.

c. Acupuncture and Yoga: These therapies can help manage stress and improve overall well-being, which may indirectly benefit Crohn's disease management.

5. Lifestyle and Supportive Care:

a. Stress Management: Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and counselling can help reduce stress, which can trigger or worsen symptoms.

b. Regular Exercise: Moderate exercise can improve overall health and reduce stress, benefiting Crohn's disease management.

c. Support Groups: Joining support groups provides emotional support, practical advice, and a sense of community for patients and their families.

Top Doctors for Crohn's Disease Treatment in India

India boasts several highly skilled gastroenterologists and surgeons specializing in Crohn's disease treatment. Here are some of the top doctors renowned for their expertise and successful treatment outcomes:

1. Dr. Gourdas Choudhuri

• Gender: Male
• Designation: CHAIRMAN-GASTROENTEROLOGY
• Country: India
• Experience Years: 41
• Surgeon's Rating: 4.5

About:

• Dr. Gourdas Choudhuri is one of Asia’s finest Gastroenterologists with clinical experience of more than 34 years in the field of GI and Hepatobiliary sciences.
• He is considered the best Liver Specialist in the Delhi and Gurgaon region.
• Currently, he serves as the Executive Director of the Gastroenterology and Hepatobiliary Sciences Department at Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), Gurgaon.
• His clinical expertise includes Diagnostic and Therapeutic GI Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, and Liver Transplant, with a special interest in Endoscopic Ultrasound.

Experience:

• Director, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon
• Senior Consultant, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon
• Vice President, Medanta - The Medicity, Gurgaon
• Senior Consultant, Medanta - The Medicity, Gurgaon
• Head of Department, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow
• Consultant, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow

Education:

• MBBS
• DNB - General Medicine
• FRCP
• FAMS (Gastroenterology)
• DM - Gastroenterology

2. Dr. Vivek Raj

• Gender: Male
• Designation: Principal Director & HOD – Gastroenterology & Hepatology
• Country: India
• Experience Years: 28

About:

• In Sushant Lok I, Gurgaon, Dr. Vivek Raj practises as a gastroenterologist and general practitioner.
• He has 28 years of expertise in these domains.
• He sees patients at Max Hospital in Sushant Lok I, Gurgaon, and Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital in Saket, Delhi.
• He received his MBBS from G B Pant Hospital / Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, in 1983, and an ERCP and Advance Interventional Endoscopy fellowship from Boston, USA, in 1987.
• He holds memberships in the American College of Gastroenterology, American Gastroenterology Association, Indian Society of Gastroenterology, Royal College of Physicians, London, and the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
• Hepatitis B treatment, Wilson's disease treatment, peptic/gastric ulcer treatment, and surgery for bladder cancer are just a few of the services the doctor offers.

Specializations:

• General Physician

Treatments:

Acidity Treatment, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Treatment, Gallbladder (Biliary) Stone Treatment, Steatosis, Abdominal Pain Treatment, Hepatology including Hepatitis B & C Treatment, Wilson's Disease Treatment, Peptic / Gastric Ulcer Treatment, Bladder Cancer Surgery, Gastritis Treatment, Gastroenteritis Treatment, Constipation Treatment, Appendicitis Treatment, Hepatitis C Treatment

Experience:

• 20 years of clinical experience in Gastroenterology.

Education:

• MBBS - G B Pant Hospital / Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, 1983

Awards:

Memberships:

• Fellowship in Royal College of Physicians
• Indian Society of Gastroenterology
• Royal College of Physicians, London
• American College of Gastroenterology
• American Gastroenterology Association

Top Hospitals for Crohn's Disease Treatment in India

India is home to some of the best hospitals offering state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive care for Crohn's disease. Here are the top hospitals known for their excellence in treating Crohn's disease:

1. Apollo Hospitals, Chennai

Apollo Hospitals on Greams Road in Chennai was established in 1983 by Dr Prathap C Reddy. It was India's first corporate hospital and is acclaimed for pioneering the private healthcare revolution in the country. Over the years, Apollo Hospitals has risen to a position of leadership, emerging as Asia's foremost integrated healthcare services provider.

Location

• Address: 21 Greams Lane, Off Greams Road, Thousand Lights, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600006, India
• City: Chennai
• Country: India

Hospital Features

• Established Year: 1983
• Treatment Availability: International
• Hospital Category: Medical
• Status: Active
• Visibility on Website: Yes

About Apollo Hospitals

Apollo Hospitals has a robust presence across the healthcare ecosystem, including hospitals, pharmacies, primary care, and diagnostic clinics. The Group also has telemedicine units across 10 countries, health insurance services, global projects consultancy, medical colleges, Med-varsity for e-learning, colleges of nursing, and hospital management.

Team and Specialties

• Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery: Apollo Hospitals hosts one of the largest cardiovascular groups globally, with around 14 world-class institutes, over 400 cardiologists & cardiac surgeons, and 200 heart stations.
• Robotic Spinal Surgery: Among the few centres in Asia to perform this advanced procedure, Apollo is at the forefront of spinal disorder management.
• Cancer Care: A 300-bedded, NABH-accredited hospital providing advanced technology in diagnosis and radiation, supported by an oncology team of renowned specialists and well-trained medical and paramedical professionals.
• Gastroenterology: Offers the latest endoscopic procedures for gastrointestinal bleeding, cancers, foreign body removal, etc.
• Transplant Institutes: The Apollo Transplant Institutes (ATI) is one of the largest, most comprehensive, and busiest solid transplant programs globally.
• Liver Surgery: Equipped with a 320-slice CT scanner, a state-of-the-art Liver Intensive Care Unit & Operation Theatre, and various surgical tools to enable safe & bloodless liver surgery.
• Neurosurgery: Recognized as a leader in acute neurosurgery, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, is among the top hospitals specializing in neuro care worldwide.

Infrastructure

With the experience of over one million health checks, Apollo Hospitals has emerged as a key player in the corporate healthcare sector. Over 500 leading corporates, across all industry segments, have tied up with Apollo Hospitals, providing their employees ready access to sophisticated medical facilities at over 64 locations in India. The corporate services initiative of Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, aims to provide world-standard healthcare within the reach of every individual.

2. Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), Gurugram

Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI) in Gurgaon is a premier multi-super specialty, quaternary care hospital. Known for its international faculty and reputed clinicians, including super-sub-specialists and speciality nurses, FMRI is supported by cutting-edge technology. The hospital aims to be the 'Mecca of Healthcare' for the Asia Pacific region and beyond.

Location

• Address: Sector - 44, Opposite HUDA City Centre, Gurgaon, Haryana - 122002, India
• City: Gurgaon
• Country: India

Hospital Features

• Established Year: 2001
• Number of Beds: 1000
• Number of ICU Beds: 81
• Operation Theaters: 15
• Hospital Category: Medical
• Treatment Availability: International
• Status: Active
• Visibility on Website: Yes

Specialties

FMRI excels in several medical specialities, including:

• Neurosciences
• Oncology
• Renal Sciences
• Orthopedics
• Cardiac Sciences
• Obstetrics and Gynecology

These specialities leverage advanced technology and top clinicians to deliver exceptional healthcare services.

Team and Expertise

• International Recognition: FMRI has been ranked No.2 of the 30 most technologically advanced hospitals in the world by ‘topmastersinhealthcare.com,’ surpassing many other outstanding medical institutions globally.
• Patient Care: Fortis hospitals treat over 3.5 lakh patients annually, relying on reputed clinicians, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and world-class technology such as the Da Vinci robot, ensuring patients go home healthy.
• Innovative Initiatives: FMRI's initiatives range from customized preventive health checks to quaternary care provided by super-specialized clinicians conducting rare and complex surgeries.

About Fortis Healthcare

FMRI is a flagship hospital of Fortis Healthcare, one of the top healthcare providers in India. Fortis Healthcare is known for its commitment to quality healthcare and patient safety, making FMRI one of the most sought-after medical destinations in the region.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact FMRI through the provided email addresses.

3. BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital

BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital in New Delhi was established by Dr B L Kapur, an eminent Obstetrician and Gynecologist. Originally set up as a charitable hospital in Lahore in 1930, the hospital was reestablished in post-partition India in Ludhiana and later in Delhi at the invitation of the then Prime Minister. The hospital was inaugurated by Prime Minister Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru on January 2, 1959.

Location

• Address: Pusa Rd, Radha Soami Satsang, Karol Bagh, New Delhi, Delhi, India
• City: New Delhi
• Country: India

About Hospital

• History: BLK Super Speciality Hospital was founded by Dr B L Kapur. The hospital celebrated its Silver Jubilee in 1984, marking its status as Delhi's premier multispecialty institute.
• Services: The hospital offers services in General Surgery, Ophthalmology, ENT, Dentistry, Pulmonology, Intensive Care, Orthopedics, and mother & child care.
• Capacity: Spread over five acres with 650 beds, BLK is one of the largest tertiary care private hospitals in India.
• Facilities: Outpatient services are spread across two floors with 60 consultation rooms. The hospital has 17 state-of-the-art modular operation theatres equipped with advanced technology.
• Critical Care: The hospital has 125 critical care beds in various intensive care units, including Medical, Surgical, Cardiac, Pediatrics, Neonatology, Neurosciences, and Organ Transplant units. Each unit is equipped with high-end patient monitoring devices, ventilators, and dedicated isolation rooms.

Infrastructure

• Operation Theatres: 17 well-equipped modular operation theatres with three-stage air filtration and gas scavenging systems.
• Critical Care: The hospital has one of the largest critical care programs in the region with 125 ICU beds.
• Transplant Centers: Dedicated ICUs for Liver and Renal Transplants with specialized instruments and equipment.
• Birthing Suites: Specialized birthing suites with telemetric fetal monitors and a dedicated operation theatre adjacent to the labour room.
• Technology: Advanced Building Management System, automatic pneumatic chute system, Wi-Fi-enabled campus, and top-of-the-line Hospital Information System (HIS) with contemporary electronic medical records (EMR).