Crohn’s disease is a chronic disease that causes inflammation in the small intestine, colon, and ileum. The disease can also develop in the mouth, esophagus, and the rectum. This disease falls under the umbrella of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). There is no cure for the disease, but the symptoms can be managed with proper treatment. Some symptoms of the disease are chronic diarrhea, pain in the abdominal region, unexplained weight loss, rectal bleeding, loss of appetite, and fever.

Patients suffering from Crohn’s disease often require surgery to treat the condition. The doctor might advise a surgery, if he or she detects cancerous tissue in the colon, as patients suffering from this disease are at increased risk of colorectal cancer. Surgery is also the last resort when the medications lead to severe side effects or when they have stopped working efficiently in managing the symptoms of this health condition. Certain complications like bowel abscess, fistula, intestinal blockage, bowel perforation, or uncontrolled bleeding require emergency surgery. Though surgery can be effective in some cases, many patients might have to undergo multiple surgeries during their lifetime.

Types of surgery
The doctor decides the type of surgery to be performed, depending on the organ affected by Crohn’s disease. The surgeries are performed using a laparoscopy procedure, which is the least invasive. However, some procedures require large incisions.

• Ostomy – The surgeon creates a hole in the bowels to enable the body to eliminate wastes. The surgery performed in the small intestine is called as ileostomy, and when it is performed in the large bowel, it is called colostomy.
• Bowel resection – The doctor removes the portion of the intestine damaged because of Crohn’s disease.
• Colectomy – This procedure involves removing the damaged part of the colon.
• Proctocolectomy -This is a major surgery that is performed to remove the colon and the rectum. This surgery is followed up with an ostomy to aid the body in eliminating the wastes.
• Strictureplasty – This procedure involves changing the length of the intestines by shortening or widening them to prevent scarring.

Risks of the surgery
As with any other surgery, the surgery for Crohn’s Disease also possesses some risks.

• The doctor may cut a healthy portion of the intestine, colon, or rectum that results in excess bleeding.
• The incisions made for the surgery may get infected by harmful bacteria.
• The surgery performed to remove all or a portion of the small intestine can reduce the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. It can lead to nutritional deficiencies.
• The development of marginal ulcers in the operated area can result in bowel perforation or infection. These ulcers cause discomfort and pain.
• Pouchitis is a condition that occurs when the doctor removes the colon and connects the small bowel to the anus. The connection between the two organs is created by creating a J-shaped pouch. Inflammation in this pouch is known as pouchitis. This leads to loss of bowel control, blood in stools, and fever.
• Scarring or strictures developing at the site of the surgery obstruct the flow of food and waste. This condition leads to a bowel perforation or small a bowel obstruction.

Patients suffering from Crohn’s Disease should discuss the benefits and risks of the surgery clearly, before opting for surgery. Patients can minimize the risks by following the doctor’s advice regarding post-surgery care.