When all else fails, surgery is an option.

The majority of patients with Crohn’s disease will require surgery at some point in their lives. Often, surgery is used to correct severe complications such as blockages, bleeding, punctures or abscesses in the intestines. Some people who have Crohn’s disease eventually have their entire colons removed, requiring the lifelong use of a pouch attached to the stoma to collect bodily waste. Other patients may have part of the colon removed to alleviate long-term symptoms.

A common complication is that surgery can cause strictures. A stricture occurs when scar tissue builds up in the intestines, which can cause blockages as bodily waste tries to pass through. Follow-up surgical procedures may be needed to remedy this condition.

Another potential complication is short bowel syndrome, which can develop if people have had at least half of their intestines removed. This complication results in cramping, bloating, diarrhea and heartburn, and can be treated with dietary changes, nutritional supplements, medications and sometimes intravenous feeding.

Although surgery is a powerful treatment tool, there’s always the chance for Crohn’s disease to reoccur even after a major surgery. The disease often returns adjacent to the area where infected intestine was removed.  Anyone who is considering surgery as a treatment option should do their research and talk with their doctors. Surgery may not be the best option for everyone.

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