Crohn's Disease
Crohn's Disease
Crohn's Disease is a medical condition that falls under the category of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Crohn's disease triggers inflammation of the digestive tract resulting in ulcerations and sores, mostly affecting people between 17-30 years (people of other age groups can also be affected). The inflammatory disease is a chronic illness that gives rise to a host of complications such as frequent and chronic diarrhea, fever, rapid weight loss, abdominal pain, to name a few.
Unfortunately, there is no permanent treatment available for Crohn's Disease. However, effective remedies and treatments are available to reduce and manage the symptoms and complications associated with Crohn's Disease. Many people dealing with Crohn's Disease have benefitted immensely from surgery.
When surgery is recommended for Crohn's Disease?
A surgery becomes essential when the medicines and other nonsurgical treatments fail to control or manage the symptoms and complications triggered by Crohn's Disease, some of which include:
- Severe intestinal inflammation followed by uncontrolled bleeding
- There is a bowel abscess or a perforation
- Toxic Megacolon (a fatal condition whereby the large intestine swells up and also becomes dilated due to the inflammation that affects the intestinal walls)
- Fistula
- An intestinal blockage or narrowing of the intestinal
The surgery for a Crohn's Disease can be of different types depending on the part of the digestive tract affected.
Colectomy
This is mainly carried out in the case of the Crohn's Disease causing such extensive damage to the colon that it needs to be surgically removed. Following the removal of the colon, the small intestine may be connected to the rectum to ensure that the bowel movement is not affected.
Bowel Resection
A bowel resection is usually performed to treat a fistula or to get rid of the diseased and inflamed portion of the intestine to avoid further aggravation.
Proctocolectomy (Ileostomy)
This surgery is performed to get rid of both the rectum and the colon affected extensively by Crohn's Disease. Here also, post removal of the organs, the surgeon connects the small intestine (end part or the ileum) to the stroma or a small opening in the abdomen. This rearrangement is done to ensure that the wastes from the small intestine get eliminated.
Stricturoplasty
This surgery goes a long way to open up the areas of the small intestine that have narrowed down due to Crohn's Disease.
Colon & Rectum
Crohn's Disease can affect any part of the digestive tract, but it most commonly involves the colon and rectum. Inflammation in these areas can lead to diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and urgency. Treatment approaches for colonic and rectal Crohn's include medications, dietary modifications, and surgery when necessary.
ITS EASY AND FAST
With advancements in minimally invasive surgical techniques, recovery from Crohn's surgery has become faster and less painful. Laparoscopic and robotic approaches allow for smaller incisions, reduced hospital stays, and quicker return to normal activities.
About Author
Dr. Nikhil Agrawal
MS, MCh
Dr. Nikhil Agrawal is a leading GI-HPB Surgical Oncologist with 20+ years of experience in complex cancers of the esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts. He leads the GI-HPB Oncology Program at Apollo Hospitals, Delhi and Gurugram, with expertise in advanced robotic and laparoscopic cancer surgery.
His practice focuses on evidence-based, multidisciplinary care with an emphasis on individualized treatment and long-term outcomes.
He trained at BHU, SGPGI Lucknow, AIIMS New Delhi, and SNUBH, South Korea, and is a robotic surgery proctor who trains surgeons in advanced GI-HPB cancer surgery. He is also regularly invited as faculty at national and international scientific meetings.
This website helps patients and families understand GI and HPB diseases and cancers, treatment options, and what to expect during recovery and long-term care.