Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

At the Sydney Colorectal Clinic, we provide expert, patient-centred care for people diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Whether you are newly diagnosed, seeking a second opinion, or exploring treatment options, our experienced team is here to support you at every stage of your journey.

Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis are both types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that cause chronic inflammation in the digestive tract. While they share many similarities, they also have distinct differences. Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus, often with healthy areas in between inflamed spots. Ulcerative Colitis, on the other hand, is limited to the colon and rectum, with continuous inflammation and ulcers in the innermost lining of the colon.

IBD Explained

Patients with Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis may experience a range of symptoms, including:

  • Abdominal pain and cramping
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Urgent need to have a bowel movement
  • Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
  • Bloating and gas
  • Weight loss and fatigue
  • Fever
  • Night sweats
  • Reduced appetite

The exact cause of Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis is unknown, but several factors may contribute to their development:

  • Genetic predisposition
  • Immune system malfunction
  • Environmental factors including diet and lifestyle
  • Smoking (particularly for Crohn’s disease)
  • Family history of IBD

Diagnosing Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis typically involves a combination of tests and procedures, including:

  • A thorough history and physical examination
  • Blood tests to check for inflammation
  • Stool tests to rule out infections
  • Colonoscopy to examine the colon and take tissue samples
  • Imaging tests such as bowel ultrasound, CT scans or MRIs to assess the extent of inflammation

The treatment of these 2 conditions overlap and our multidisciplinary team will personalises the therapy taking a holistic approach leading to the best possible outcomes.

  • Medications to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. There are lots of options available and our expert team will be able to discuss all options including their benefits, risks and potential impact on you.
  • Nutritional support and dietary changes in order to improve your microbiome and ensure you can get enough energy to life your day-to-day life to the fullest.
  • Surgery to remove damaged portions of the digestive tract in more severe cases
  • Ongoing monitoring using non-invasive tests such as bowel ultrasound and calprotectin to support to manage symptoms and maintain remission.
Conditions

Crohn’s disease

Learn more

Ulcerative Colitis

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Care Team

Our IBD team consists of specialists in gastroenterology, colorectal surgery, pelvic health physiotherapy and general medicine, all working together to provide the best possible outcome for our patients. Our specialists are members of the St Vincent’s Hospital Inflammatory Bowel Disease Multi-Disciplinary Team and can coordinate your care using a holistic, evidence-based approach.

Dr Hamish Urquhart

Director of the Sydney Colorectal Clinic & Specialist Colorectal Surgeon

Dr Hugh Giddings

Dr Hugh Giddings

Specialist Colorectal & General Surgeon

A/Prof Craig Haifer

A/Prof Craig Haifer

Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist

Dr Ian Lockart

Dr Ian Lockart

Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist

Dr Claire Keenan

Dr Claire Keenan

General Medicine & Perioperative Physician

Dr Angela James

Dr Angela James

Specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapist

Giulia Casson

Giulia Casson

Pelvic Health Physiotherapist

Aman

Aman Kaur

Practice Nurse

Isabelle Aucoin

Isabelle (Issi)

Practice Nurse & Surgery Coordinator for Dr Urquhart

Memberships and Affiliations

Contact our Team

Our friendly team are available to help at any time. The first step is understanding your options and choosing the right team to support you.

Multidisciplinary Expertise

A team of specialists ensuring optimal care.

Personalised Treatment Plans

Tailored therapies to meet individual needs.

Comprehensive Patient Support

Guidance through every stage of treatment.

Dr Hamish Urquhart

CSSANZ FRACS MBBS (hons), BEngineering Mech/Biomedical (hons)

Dr Hamish Urquhart is a specialist colorectal surgeon, with subspecialty training in proctology, complex colorectal cancer, pelvic floor disorders and inflammatory bowel disease. He is the director of the Sydney Colorectal Clinic and is dedicated to the treatment and management of complex colorectal conditions. Dr Urquhart believes in employing a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to Colorectal Surgery, and works closely with other disciplines to coordinate patient care

Dr Urquhart completed his postgraduate medical degree in 2008 from the University of Sydney, graduating with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (honours). He completed his internship and residency training at the Royal North Shore Hospital and subsequently commenced general surgical training in 2010. Dr Urquhart was awarded his Fellowship (FRACS) in General Surgery by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in 2015. In 2016, he began four additional subspeciality colorectal fellowship years focusing on the latest minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques, robotic surgery and endoscopy. The last 2 of these fellowship years were with the highly regarded Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSSANZ) training program where he completed advanced colorectal surgical techniques.

Dr Urquhart is also a qualified biomedical mechanical engineer, graduating with first class honours from the University of Sydney in 2004. He was the 2005 recipient of the Engineers Australia Excellence Award for Innovation, developing several patents for biomedical devices.

Dr Urquhart is the Director of Surgical Training at St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney. He is also a member of the NSW training board in General Surgery. Dr Urquhart has published multiple peer-reviewed journal articles and has presented at conferences in Australia, North America, Italy and the United Kingdom on Colorectal Surgery. He also has a passion for teaching and has affiliations with the University of New South Wales and the University of Notre Dame.

Dr Hugh Giddings

Dr Hugh Giddings

CSSANZ FRACS MBBS (hons) PhD

Dr Hugh Giddings is a specialist colorectal and general surgeon with subspecialty training in colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, pelvic floor disorders, endometriosis surgery, and proctology. He performs open, laparoscopic, robotic and endoscopic procedures to treat a wide range of colorectal and general surgical conditions.

Dr Giddings received his postgraduate medical degree from the University of Sydney in 2010 (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery with honours). He went on to complete his general surgical fellowship (FRACS) with the Royal Australia College of Surgeons in 2020, including several years training at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney.

Following this Dr Giddings was the Notaras Scholar through the Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand, with clinical posts at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney where he trained in advanced oncological colorectal surgery, and The Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital specialising in minimally invasive techniques. An additional honorary fellowship was undertaken at St Mark’s Hospital in the United Kingdom with a focus on the surgical management of inflammatory bowel disease, and complex proctology.

Dr Giddings has a strong research background having presented both nationally and internationally, and was awarded the Royal Australian College of Surgeons Mark Killingback research prize in 2025. He recently completed his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) thesis looking at the trends in surgical workload, outcomes following surgery, and the quality of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) surgical care in Australia. Dr Giddings continues to be involved in collaborative research and is a member of the Australia and New Zealand inflammatory bowel disease consortium, and the scientific, medical, and quality of care advisory committee for Crohn’s Colitis Australia.

A/Prof Craig Haifer

A/Prof Craig Haifer

MBBS (Hons), PhD, FRACP

Dr Craig Haifer is an experienced gastroenterologist working across St Vincent’s Private and Public Hospital and an Associate Professor of Medicine though the University of New South Wales.

Dr Haifer is an expert in the management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease, IBS other gastrointestinal issues and takes a comprehensive holistic approach in managing these conditions. He recognises and values the importance of addressing diet and lifestyle to enhance a person’s microbiome and combines this with the most up to date medical advances to ensure his patients get the best outcomes of their conditions.

In addition to traditional gastroscopy and colonoscopy, Dr Haifer incorporates bowel ultrasounds into his treatment regimens which is an entirely non-invasive way to monitor bowel inflammation.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr Haifer heads a team of researchers across UNSW and St Vincent’s examining all aspects of the gut microbiome and it’s role in the development of various diseases, including IBD and various types of cancer. His work has defined the landscape of using techniques such as FMT and other pre/probiotics to improve the microbiome and he coordinates several research projects in the space.

Dr Haifer consults at St Vincent’s Clinic as well in Bondi Junction and Wagga Wagga; and performs gastroscopy, colonoscopy and capsule endoscopy through Double Bay Day Hospital, St Vincent’s Private and Public Hospitals and Riverina Day Surgery.

Dr Ian Lockart
Dr Ian Lockart

MBBS (Hons), FRACP, PhD

Dr Ian Lockart earned his medical degree at the University of New South Wales, graduating with honours in 2011. He went on to complete his physician and specialist training at Prince of Wales and St Vincent’s Hospitals in Sydney. He is a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and has been awarded the Specialty Certificate in Gastroenterology from the Royal Colleges of Physicians in the United Kingdom. He completed a Doctor of Philosophy through the University of New South Wales, and is a Clinical Associate Lecturer, involved in the education and assessment of doctors-in-training. He is accredited for gastroscopy and colonoscopy by the Conjoint Committee for the Recognition of Training in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

Dr Lockart is committed to delivering high-quality diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and has vast experience managing both simple and complex conditions.

Dr Lockart welcomes all patients, with access to endoscopic facilities at both St Vincent’s Public and Private Hospitals. He holds a staff specialist appointment at St Vincent’s Hospital, where he oversees general gastroenterology and liver disease clinics. For procedures performed at St Vincent’s Private Hospital, Dr Lockart is registered as a ‘no-gap’ provider, meaning there are no additional costs for patients with eligible private health insurance.

Dr Lockart looks forward to being involved in your care.

Dr Claire Keenan
Dr Claire Keenan

BHB MBChB FRACP

Dr Keenan is a specialist general medicine and perioperative physician. As a specialist physician she will assess you as a whole and address how your medical conditions interconnect, ensuring that you get the best outcomes in your care.

Dr Keenan completed her specialist training across New Zealand and Australia and has subspecialty expertise in peri-operative medicine, obstetric medicine, and managing patients with multiple medical conditions with complex needs.

Dr Keenan takes a holistic view and recognises the importance of addressing the medical conditions in parallel with your lifestyle, diet and general health goals.  She is a big advocate of multidisciplinary care and works closely with surgeons, physicians, nursing staff and allied health clinicians and will support your local doctor in your ongoing management.

In addition to her work at St Vincent’s, Dr Keenan is an academic at the University of New South Wales where she teaches the next generation of aspiring doctors.

Dr Angela James
Dr Angela James

FACP

Angela James is the founder of Sydney Pelvic Clinic and a pioneer in the treatment of patients with pelvic health conditions. With over 20 years of experience in managing complex pelvic issues for both women and men, she uses an evidence-based, person-centred approach to achieve great outcomes for her patients. Angela holds a Specialist title from the Australian College of Physiotherapy as a recognition of her clinical achievements.

Angela is dedicated to helping patients optimise their pelvic health, whether that be reducing pelvic pain and discomfort, improving bladder or bowel function or facilitating a safe and satisfying return to exercise. Angela applies a tailored approach for each patient integrating education, manual therapy, innovative technologies, lifestyle coaching and exercise therapy. Angela strongly believes in empowering her patients, ensuring they have a clear narrative about their condition and a solid plan for long-term results.

Angela is passionate about pelvic physiotherapy and has developed a team of like-minded, highly trained professionals at Sydney Pelvic Clinic. Angela regularly runs professional development courses, both locally and internationally. All her courses are taught with a whole-person, biopsychosocial framework. She is a casual lecturer at the University of Melbourne, teaching the Advanced Clinical Practice subject in the Masters of Pelvic Health program.

Giulia Casson

Giulia Casson

MACP; B. Phys; M. Clin Phys (Continence & Pelvic Health); Cert in Prolapse Management

Giulia first graduated from Australian Catholic University with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy and has gone on to become a titled Continence and Women’s, Men’s and Pelvic Health Physiotherapist after finishing her Masters’ degree at Curtin University and further postgraduate study at the University of South Australia.

She is the  NSW chair of the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA)’s Women’s, Men’s and Pelvic Health Committee and is extensively involved in teaching for the APA across two disciplines –pelvic health and gerontology. She is also a guest lecturer in Women’s Health at the University of Technology Sydney, teaching as part of their Master of Physiotherapy degree.

Aman
Aman Kaur

Aman is one of our practice nurses. Our practice nurses monitor patient care throughout the pre-operative and post-operative periods and are available to provide support, advice and reviews. Aman completed a Bachelor of Nursing through the University of Newcastle and has trained in peri-operative practice at St Vincent’s Private Hospital for seven years, specialising in colorectal and general surgery. Throughout this time, she has built a strong professional and interpersonal relationship with Dr Urquhart and Isabelle. Aman is currently studying her Master’s in peri-operative practice and aims to be a surgical assist alongside Dr Urquhart in theatre. 

Originally from the central coast, Aman grew up appreciating a coastal lifestyle. Outside of work, Aman enjoys a very active life that involves endurance running, competes both in triathlons and marathons. Aman also loves spending time with her family and friends, she is a self-confessed fun aunty to her two nephews. She also loves to read, explore new places and new cafes. 

Isabelle Aucoin

Isabelle (Issi)

Isabelle (Issi) is one of our dedicated practice nurses and also serves as Dr. Urquhart’s practice manager, playing a key role in supporting both patients and the day-to-day coordination of the practice. As our practice nurse, she is closely involved in pre-operative preparation and post-operative care, providing education, wound care, follow-up reviews, and ongoing support to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Issi brings over six years of experience working in operating theatres at St Vincent’s Private Hospital, where she specialised in general and colorectal surgery. This experience has given her a strong clinical foundation and a deep understanding of patient needs across all stages of care. She works closely with Dr. Urquhart, contributing to a highly coordinated and effective model of patient care.

Outside of the practice, Issi enjoys spending time exploring wineries in Orange, NSW, going to the beach with friends, skiing during the winter months, and getting creative in her home pottery studio where she enjoys working with ceramics.