When surgery is needed for Crohn's disease

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When surgery is needed for Crohn's disease

Surgery for Crohn's disease usually is needed if ongoing symptoms do not respond to medicine or if side effects of medicine cause other serious problems.¹

Surgery may also be needed when:

Bowel blockage (obstruction) occurs.
Abscesses or tears (fissures) form in the anal area or abnormal connections (fistulas) form between two parts of the intestine or between the intestine and other internal organs. Surgery may be needed if these abscesses and fistulas do not get better with treatment.
Holes develop in the large intestine (perforations).
Cancer or precancerous tissue is present (less common in Crohn's disease).
Severe disease is not responding to other treatment.
Severe bleeding requires ongoing blood transfusions.

References

Citations
Hanauer SB, et al. (2001). Practice guidelines: Management of Crohn's disease in adults. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 96(3): 635–643.

Credits

Author	Monica Rhodes
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Michele Cronen
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Associate Editor	Terrina Vail
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Arvydas D. Vanagunas, MD - Gastroenterology
Last Updated	October 24, 2006

Last updated:	October 24, 2006
Author:	Monica Rhodes
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Arvydas D. Vanagunas, MD - Gastroenterology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Terrina Vail

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