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To develop the best possible treatment plan for you, we will need to confirm your diagnosis, understand the extent of your IBD, or make a new diagnosis. To do this, we may perform diagnostic tests such as blood or fecal tests, imaging, or an endoscopy with biopsy. These tests will help us establish an accurate diagnosis and formulate an individualized treatment plan.

Your multidisciplinary care

Gastroenterology

Paediatric gastroenterology

Laboratory and pathology

Nutrition

Radiology

Pain

Visceral surgery
and stomatotherapy

IBD Nurse
Therapeutic Education

Obstetrics and gynaecology

Rheumatology
/ Immunology

Dermatology

Ophthalmology

Pharmacology

Research and teaching

Internal medicine

Complementary medicine

Psychiatrists and
psychologists

Gastroenterology

Paediatric gastroenterology

Laboratory and pathology

Nutrition

Radiology

Pain Centre

Colorectal surgery

IBD Nurse
Therapeutic Education

Obstetrics and gynaecology

Rheumatology
/ Immunology

Dermatology

Ophthalmology

Pharmacology

Research and teaching

Internal medicine

Complementary medicine

Psychiatrists and
psychologists

Our center’s philosophy: to offer you personalized follow-up based on numerous experts, adapted to your medical situation.

Main team

Support team

Gastroenterologists

It is not enough to treat the intestine: we must also care for the person behind the disease.

Sophie Restellini
Center Director

Gastroenterologists are specialists who diagnose and plan treatment for chronic inflammatory bowel diseases.

Sophie Restellini

Gastroenterologist

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Diana Ollo

Gastroenterologist

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Maude Martinho-Grueber
Gastroenterologist
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Pediatric Gastroenterology

Children are not miniature adults.

Laetitia Marie-Petit
Pediatrician

The diagnostic process for children is broadly similar to that for adults; however, certain specific issues such as growth, puberty, and overall development must be taken into account.

Laetitia Marie-petit
Pediatrician
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Visceral surgery

Surgery for IBD: a solution, not a failure.

Nicolas Buchs
Visceral surgeon

Despite advances in the treatment of IBD, many people with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis will require surgery at some point in their lives.
Surgery should not be considered a last resort in the treatment of these diseases, nor a sign of failure of your treatment or yourself. In fact, surgery should be considered one treatment option among many.

Our visceral surgery team is particularly skilled in complex and innovative surgical techniques, including resection surgery, stricturoplasty, and ileoanal anastomosis reconstruction. The medical-surgical proctology team is able to offer a full range of treatment options for the management of anoperineal lesions in Crohn’s disease.

Surgery is considered in the event of complications from the disease, most often in consultation with medical treatment for:
Fistulas* (communication between two intra-abdominal organs or between the anus and the surrounding skin, known as an “anal fistula”) and especially abscesses.
Intestinal narrowing (stenosis), which is often present in Crohn’s disease.

Nicolas Buchs
Visceral surgeon
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Laboratory and pathology

Understanding IBD often begins under the microscope, where each tissue fragment illuminates the technical path.

Giacommo Puppa
Pathologist

Optimal management of IBD includes blood tests and stool samples, as well as biopsies (removal of a very small piece of tissue) during endoscopy. Laboratory results are used both to establish the diagnosis and to assess the progression of the disease or the success of treatment.que pour l’évaluation de la progression de la maladie ou du succès du
traitement.

Giacommo Puppa

Pathologist

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Robert Genta

Pathologist

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Nutrition

Food is not just about feeding; it supports the balance between well-being and treatment.

Maude Martinho Grueber
Gastroenterologist

Since chronic inflammatory bowel disease
(IBD) affects the digestive system, food is logically a major concern
for our patients.
The fundamentals of healthy eating apply specifically to people with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

> Learn more about the nutrition service at Hôpital de La Tour

Maude Martinho Grueber

Gastroenterologist

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Radiology

Imaging refines clinicians' observations and clarifies patients' treatment paths.

Sylvain Terraz
Radiologist

Several imaging techniques are available for the initial diagnosis of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and to monitor their progression. These techniques make it possible to determine the extent and activity of the disease and, above all, to examine the central section of the small intestine, which cannot be reached using an endoscope.
Ultrasound and MRI are generally the modalities used for follow-up, but other imaging techniques that can be used in cases of IBD include:

Ultrasound
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
CT scan
X-ray
Capsule endoscopy

Sylvain Terraz
Radiologist
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Pierre-Henri Morère
Radiologist
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The Pain Clinic

Functional does not mean imaginary: the gut-brain axis is often involved.

Diana Ollo

Gastroenterologist

Pain management is a fundamental aspect of care for patients with IBD. While some pain is linked to active inflammation, other types of pain can persist even when there is no inflammatory activity. This type of pain, known as functional pain, is common and often debilitating. It requires comprehensive management, incorporating physical, psychological, and sometimes pharmacological approaches tailored to each patient. The goal is to provide long-term relief from symptoms and improve quality of life on a daily basis.

Diana Ollo

Gastroenterologist

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> Discover the Pain Clinic

Christophe Perruchoud

Anesthesiologist

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Blaise Rutschmann
Anesthesiologist
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Matthieu Cachemaille
Anesthesiologist
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IBD nurse / therapeutic education

An essential pillar of support, the IBD nurse provides information, coordination, and support.

Vanessa Laffin
Nurse, IBD Center

An IBD specialist nurse acts as the link between you and your doctor. She is available to answer your questions and schedule your appointments. Think of her as your trusted advisor.

Our IBD coordination nurses provide therapeutic education for all IBD patients, as well as specific care pathways for patients with extraintestinal manifestations or comorbidities.

Therapeutic education makes it possible to:

Improve the care and quality of life of patients with IBD
by giving them the means to better understand their disease and its treatment
Help patients explain their disease and treatments
Develop patients’ ability to adapt their diet to the progression of their disease
Develop the ability to explain the role of tobacco in IBD
patients to talk about their disease with their family and friends
patients to overcome the constraints of their disease in their
professional and leisure activities
improve therapeutic compliance

Obstetrics and Gynecology

For many people, starting a family is the most important and precious thing in life. This is no different for people with IBD. Of course, planning to start a family in this situation raises a number of questions about the disease.

It is important to discuss this with your gastroenterologist or gynecologist beforehand to obtain medical advice. Discuss with them any points that seem essential or that concern you. There is no universal recommendation for all questions, and the right answer often depends on your personal situation.

> Discover the Maternal Medicine Center

Nicole Jastrow Meyer
Gynecologist
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Rheumatology

Patients with IBD may suffer from joint complications, such as arthritis or spondyloarthropathies, which are often linked to the disease itself. Rheumatology plays a key role in identifying and treating these extra-digestive manifestations. Early, personalized follow-up can relieve joint pain and preserve mobility, thereby contributing to a better quality of life.

Ilias Lazarou
Rheumatologist

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Danièle Allali
Immuno-allergologist
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Dermatology

Skin disorders may occur in patients with IBD, either due to systemic inflammation or as a complication of immunosuppressive treatments.The dermatologist is involved in diagnosing, treating, and preventing these skin lesions, thereby improving patient comfort and safety.

Dr Emmanuel Laffitte
Dermatologist

> Consultation for autoimmune diseases with skin involvement

Dermatology and Venereology Department
Geneva University Hospitals (HUG)
Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil
41205 Geneva
Phone: 0041 (0)22 372 89 93

Ophthalmology

Some patients with IBD may experience concomitant eye inflammation, such as uveitis or episcleritis, which can affect vision if not treated promptly. An ophthalmologist is essential for the early detection of these conditions and their specialized management.

Pharmacology

Pharmacology is essential in the management of patients with IBD, as it allows for the monitoring of drug interactions and ensures the effectiveness of treatments while minimizing side effects. Medications, particularly biotherapies and immunosuppressants, require careful monitoring to ensure that they are well suited to the individual needs of patients.

Sylvain Terraz
Radiologue
> Consulter sa fiche

Pierre-Henri Morère
Radiologue
> Consulter sa fiche

Research and teaching

Our commitment to clinical and translational research allows us to constantly update our practices and offer our patients treatments based on the latest scientific discoveries. In addition, our role in teaching allows us to share our knowledge with other healthcare professionals, thereby contributing to better patient care at the national and international levels.

> Learn more

Internal medicine

The internist is the conductor of complex chronic diseases.

Omar Kherad
Chief Physician, General Internal Medicine Department

IBD is a systemic disease that can affect the entire body and sometimes lead to multiple comorbidities or complications. In this context, internal medicine plays an essential role as the “conductor” of the patient’s overall care. The internist coordinates care, taking into account the patient’s medical history, general condition, and treatments.

Omar Kherad

Chief Physician, General Internal Medicine Department

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Lauriane Poli

Chief Physician, General Internist and Intensivist

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Complementary medicine

Complementary medicine, such as acupuncture, hypnosis, or herbal medicine, can be beneficial as a complement to conventional treatments. It helps manage symptoms, such as chronic pain or stress, that can accompany IBD. These approaches allow for more comprehensive care, taking into account the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of patients. We work exclusively with qualified and recognized practitioners, ensuring safe and professional care.

> Discover the OTIUM Center

Hongguang Dong

Acupuncturist

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Christophe Giobellina

Hypnotherapist

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Psychiatrists and Psychologists

“The bidirectional relationship between IBD and psychological problems can be explained by the “”brain-gut interaction.”” It has been observed that the presence of anxiety and depressive symptoms or disorders can aggravate intestinal inflammation or contribute to disease relapse. Conversely, the disease has a direct impact on mood and quality of life in general, as it generally affects daily activities, work ability, and social life.

Mental health is an important part of the care of these patients, but it is too often neglected.

The Crohn’s and Colitis Center collaborates with the Archipel Center, which offers several approaches that can help patients suffering from IBD and aims for sustainability by evolving practices and integrating new technologies such as telemedicine and alternative therapies into its activities.”

Our Center also offers access to innovative programs for IBD:

Pediatric transition program
Women and pregnancy: Preconception Clinic and Pregnancy Monitoring
Psychological support: Managing Chronic Illness While Developing Resilience
Specialized smoking cessation assistance: Hypnotherapy, Psychological Support, Nursing Consultations
Therapeutic education by IBD nurses: Teaching Treatment Administration, Recognizing Flare-Ups, Smoking Cessation, Educational Games
Nutritional monitoring: Specialized Nutritional Assessment for IBD

CARE

Your multidisciplinary care

Our Center also offers access to innovative programs for IBD:

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