How to Treat Crohn's Disease With Surgery

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory condition of the intestinal tract that causes great discomfort, fistulas and scar tissue. According to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, between two-thirds and three-quarters of people diagnosed with Crohn's disease will require surgery as part of the management process of their illness.

Instructions

Consider Surgery to Treat Crohn's Disease

• 1

  Discuss the option of a strictureplasty with your surgeon for management of Crohn's disease. As the disease progresses, active areas of the intestine narrow and form strictures and block the contents of the digestive tract causing severe cramping. A strictureplasty widens the constricted area, but leaves the intestine intact.

• 2

  Expect the removal of a segment of the intestines (called a resection) to be considered if there is more than one stricture in close proximity, or if the stricture is exceptionally long. The diseased tissue is removed and the healthy ends of the intestine are connected.

• 3

  Plan to have a colectomy (removal of the colon) if the progression and damage of Crohn's disease is throughout the entire colon. It is possible that the small intestine may be healthy enough to attach it to the rectum, thus allowing stool to pass.

• 4

  Prepare for the option to be a proctocolectomy or the removal of the colon and rectum if the disease is progressed to the rectum. In this extreme surgery, an ileostomy (opening in the abdomen) is performed to bring the end of the small intestine to a stoma to empty into an external bag.

• 5

  Identify symptoms that indicate whether it is necessary to treat an abscess or fistula with surgery. An abscess requires surgical intervention to drain the collection of fluid and follow with colon resection if required. A fistula that doesn't respond to medication may require surgical intervention.

• 6

  Ask your surgeon about the possibility of laparoscopic surgery. Both the hospital stay and the recovery time are shorter with this option.