How to Treat Colon Scarring

If you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), including ulcerative dolitis, Crohn's disease or any illness that causes severe gastrointestinal disturbances, you may, over time, develop colon scarring that can obstruct your bowels. If the scarring is severe enough to cause a blockage, your doctor may suggest one of several available treatments to ease inflammation and reduce scar tissue.

Instructions

• 1

  See your doctor to arrange for a diagnostic colonoscopy or proctosigmoidoscopy--a fiber-optic and non-invasive procedure that allows for close examination of the extent and location of scarring in your colon.

• 2

  Treat the inflammation caused by internal scarring with prescription medication. Options include oral or injected steroids, immunosuppressants, 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) drugs and metronidazole (Flagyl) to treat fissures that can be associated with colon scarring.

• 3

  Consider resection surgery to remove the obstructed portion of the colon.

• 4

  Consult your doctor about the advantages of an open or laproscopic colectomy (removal of the colon) if the obstruction cannot be cleared by other means. Depending on your needs, the removal of the large colon may be partial or complete.

• 5

  Consider having a colostomy to rework your gastrointestinal tract so that the colon is no longer connected to the rectum, and feces is instead expelled from the small intestine through a hole in the abdomen and into a collection bag.

• 6

  Undergo an ileostomy to drain wastes through a hole in the abdomen via the small intestine. This procedure may be an option if you must remove the large intestine in its entirety due to scarring.