Overview
Digestive issues, most specifically ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, cause more than inconvenience to those diagnosed with such intestinal difficulties. Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease, more commonly known as IBD.  This condition affects the large portion of the intestine called the colon, and the rectal area.

Ulcerative colitis causes sores and inflammation in the lining of the colon and rectum which often bleed. The condition causes the urge to evacuate frequently, and often causes diarrhea.

Crohn's disease is also a form of irritable bowel syndrome, except that Crohn's disease causes  inflammation deeper within the intestinal walls and may also involve other digestive organs, including the small intestine, stomach, esophagus and mouth.

Both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease severely limit the ability of some individuals to enjoy normal daily activities. These conditions also cause pain, discomfort and often lead to a sense of isolation and depression in patients diagnosed with these processes.

Common Treatments for Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease
The most common treatments utilized for individuals diagnosed with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease are drug therapies that include:

• Aminosalicylates - help control inflammation that may lead to side effects such as diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
• Corticosteroids - hydrocortisone and prednisone commonly prescribed to help reduce inflammation but cause a variety of side effects. Not recommended for long-term use.
• Immunomodulator - help to reduce inflammation, but are slow acting and may take up to six months to show benefits.

For some, hospitalization or surgery is recommended, requiring many to have their large intestine or portions of their colons removed because of rupture, massive bleeding, or increased cancer risk. In such cases, some patients may retain normal evacuation function, while others must be fitted with colostomy bags, or pouches located on the outside of the body to collect feces.

Stem Cell Treatments for Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease
Stem cell research facilities and treatment centers have utilized transplantation of fetal stem cells to help treat acute and chronic forms of non inflammatory bowel diseases in those diagnosed with non-specific ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.

The efficacy of such treatments is designed to reduce symptoms in patients diagnosed with some form of inflammatory bowel disease including:

• Abdominal pain
• Daily stool frequency
• Stool consistency

Stem cell treatments utilizing the transplantation of fetal stem cells focus on restoring the red blood cell count in hemoglobin levels and competency of the immune system, helping patients maintain longer periods of remission between flare ups. According to research performed by EmCell, a stem cell research facility in the Ukraine, remission in patients with non-specific ulcerative colitis averaged about 13 months, while patients diagnosed with Crohn's disease experienced remission for between two to three years.

Human genome research conducted around the world, including at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, has focused on identifying genes linked to ulcerative colitis, offering potential stem cell treatments and therapies to treat the disease process. Such stem cell processes involving "rebooting" a patient's immune system, which is the focus of stem cell research at Nottingham University in Britain, offering increased potential for autologous stem cell transplantation. 

Clinical trials are underway throughout the globe in utilizing autologous, fetal stem cells, and umbilical stem cell transplantation to treat these digestive issues. Regenerating new, healthy cells into the body is the main focus of stem cell transplantation procedures, and offers hopes to millions around the globe suffering from digestive tract issues or inflammatory bowel symptoms.

How Much do Stem Cell Treatments Cost?
Stem cell treatments have not yet been approved in the U.S. However, costs in other countries depend on the type of stem cell therapy utilized and number of stem cell transplantation or injection sessions. Prices in China prices are generally about $40,000 and placenta stem cell treatments in India and Mexico range about $25,000. Fetal stem cell therapies available in Central Europe are comparable to those in Mexico.

Choosing a Doctor for Stem Cell Therapy Treatments
Check references and resources to determine whether physicians or specialists are trained, experienced and accredited with placenta stem cell therapy treatments with his or her country of origin and that facilities  provide state-of the art technology and equipment and have a well maintained, trained and educated staff.