What to know before surgery to treat Crohn's disease

Post by Master, Doctor Mai Vien Phuong - Gastrointestinal Endoscopy - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.

When medications and lifestyle changes fail to stop the symptoms of Crohn's disease, surgery for Crohn's disease is indicated. An estimated 75% of sufferers need some type of surgery to relieve their symptoms.

Surgery is the last resort for Crohn's disease to relieve symptoms or complications. When medications no longer work or side effects become too severe, your doctor may consider one of the following surgeries to treat Crohn's disease:
Intestinal stricture resection to widen and shorten the bowel to reduce the risk of colon cancer. reduce the impact of scarring or tissue damage. During a bowel resection, damaged parts of the intestine are removed. Healthy intestines are stitched together to regenerate bowel circulation. A procedure that opens a hole in the skin so your body can get rid of waste, this is called an ostomy. These procedures are usually performed when part of the small or large intestine is removed. They can be permanent or temporary as your doctor wants to give your intestines time to heal. A colectomy (colectomy) procedure removes the part of the intestine that is diseased or damaged. Surgery to remove the colon and rectum. If you have this surgery, you'll also need to have your colon removed (a hole in your large intestine that allows waste to pass out). Surgery for Crohn's disease is helpful to relieve symptoms, but is not without risks.
2. When is surgery indicated for Crohn's disease? When medications and lifestyle changes fail to stop the symptoms of Crohn's disease, surgery for Crohn's disease is indicated. An estimated 75% of sufferers need some type of surgery to relieve their symptoms. Surgery is often considered a last resort for Crohn's disease.
If your doctor finds cancerous tissue or potentially cancerous markers in your colon, you may need surgery. People with Crohn's disease have an increased risk of colorectal cancer, but removing certain segments of the colon can help prevent this type of cancer from developing.
You may also need surgery because medications you are taking are causing serious side effects or they have stopped working effectively.
Although surgery can help many people live with Crohn's disease, all surgeries carry certain risks. Some types of surgery may not be right for you. You and your doctor can assess the risks of surgery and discuss whether surgery can help you live a healthier life.

3. What are the variants of Crohn's disease? There are 6 variants of Crohn's disease, all based on location. Specifically:
Gastroduodenal Crohn's disease: About 5% of people with Crohn's disease have this type. Endometriosis: Like gastroduodenal Crohn's, this variant is less common. Ileitis: Inflammation in the last part of the small intestine or ileum. Ileocolitis affects the ileum and colon and is the most common variant of Crohn's: About 50% of people with Crohn's disease have this variant. Crohn's colitis is found in about 20 percent of people with Crohn's disease. It only affects the colon. Both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's colitis affect only the colon, but Crohn's colitis can affect the deeper layers of the intestinal lining. Perianal disease: This variant is often associated with fistulas, or abnormal connections between tissues, deep tissue infections, as well as sores on the skin or around the anus. 4. Recovery from surgery for Crohn's disease The recovery period may vary depending on the surgical method used to treat Crohn's disease. Some people may only need to stay in the hospital for a few days after surgery. Others may have to stay for several weeks. Talk to your doctor about an estimated recovery time for your particular surgery.
Your doctor will instruct you on how to recover at home. Many people are encouraged to eat a low-fiber diet after surgery. This gives your intestines time to rest.
Examples of low-fiber, low-residue foods include:
Butter Canned or cooked fruit Pasta Potatoes Rice Cooked vegetables Sometimes you may feel tired or irritable during recovery dress. However, you will feel much better once your recovery period is over. In short, surgery will relieve Crohn's disease symptoms.

References:
Lewis, R. T., & Maron, D. J. (2010, September). Efficacy and complications of surgery for Crohn's disease. Gastroenterology & Hepatology , 6 (9): 587-596 ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2976865/ Surgery for Crohn's disease & ulcerative colitis. (2010, August 31) ccfa.org/resources/surgery-for-crohns-uc.html Surgery for Crohn's disease & ulcerative colitis. (2010, August) ccfa.org/assets/pdfs/surgery_brochure_final.pdf What is the role of surgery in treating Crohn's disease? (n.d.) bidmc.org/Centers-and-Departments/Departments/Digestive-Disease-Center/Inflammatory-Bowel-Disease-Program/Crohns-Disease/What-is-the-role-of-surgery-in-treating-Crohns -disease.aspx