Crohn’s disease is a long term inflammatory bowel disease that affects the digestive tract. Many people use medication to treat the condition, but for some people, medication isn’t enough. If medications are unsuccessful, than surgery may be required.
One type of surgery that people with Crohn’s disease may be required to undergo, is bowel resection. This procedure is used to help treat people with Crohn’s disease by removing part of the small intestine. Surgeons remove only the damaged part of the intestine, and if there are any healthy tissue left on either end, the two ends are joined together.
When significant inflammation is present, it can affect the intestines and sometimes cause strictures. Strictures are caused by inflammation, which leads to sections of the intestines to become very narrow and block digested food from passing. A stricture can cause many symptoms including bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Bowel resection may be required when strictures do not respond to standard treatments.
A bowel resection can improve symptoms and induce remission. Some people with Crohn’s disease who undergo this procedure can be symptom free for many years.
Read more about what to expect during a bowel resection.
