The prospect of having to undergo surgery is not one that many view with ease. Despite this, patients with Crohn’s Disease know all too well the likelihood of having to resort to surgery to appease their symptoms or to deal with a complication of the disease.
Oftentimes, surgery is the best options for patients who suffer from Crohn’s Disease as the procedure — at the very least — can give the patient years of asymptomatic gastric functions, and even allow them to go into remission for good.
If you or someone you know have been recommended or prescribed surgery to deal with the signs and symptoms of Crohn’s Disease, it may be helpful to understand the different types of Crohn’s Disease surgery options available and what each is for.
Here are four of the most common Crohn’s Disease surgery options you will likely hear about.
Strictureplasty
A strictureplasty is a surgical procedure that widens narrowed portions of the small intestines by creating an incision along the narrowed area and then stitching it crosswire. Frequent inflammation of the small intestine causes portions of the intestine to thicken and grow scar tissue (called strictures), which in turn narrows it and results in intestinal blockage/obstruction. This Crohn’s Disease surgery option resolves the issue without the patient having to lose any part of their intestine.
Resection
A resection is a surgical procedure in which part of the diseased intestine is removed and reconnected to the remaining healthy bowel sections. This operation tends to be required when the diseased intestine has a very long stricture that cannot be widened with a strictureplasty, or when there are many strictures located near each other.
Colectomy
A colectomy is a surgical procedure in which the large intestine, more commonly referred to as the colon, is entirely removed due to severe damage caused by the Crohn’s Disease. In these cases, the small intestine is attached to the rectum, so long as the rectum is not affected by the disease.
Proctocolectomy
A proctocolectomy is a surgical procedure in which both the colon and the rectum are entirely removed due to being severely damaged. The procedure is accompanied by another procedure called an ileostomy, which surgically brings the end of the small intestine through a hole (called a stoma) in the lower abdomen. From the stoma, waste is able to exit the body to an external bag that can be emptied several times throughout the day and easily concealed under clothing.
If your symptoms or medications have led to needing a surgery, your physical or colorectal specialist may recommend one of these four Crohn’s Disease surgery options. The surgery will depend on how advanced your Crohn’s Disease is, or on which complication you may be suffering from.
At the Colorectal Clinic Of Tampa Bay, our three colorectal specialists have extensive experience treating Crohn’s Disease and can assure you the highest level of care and comfort during each consultation. For more information on Crohn’s Disease surgery options, or to determine whether you may need a surgery to deal with your symptoms of Crohn’s, book an appointment today!