Crohn's Disease Information - welcome!
It's A Difficult Decision!
The type of surgery for Crohn's Disease depends on which part of the intestinal tract is being affected by the disease. If it is localized (one segment of intestine), then the surgeon removes the bad segment and the remaining bowel is reconnected. If there is significant inflammation in the remaining bowel, the surgeon may make an ostomy (bringing the end of the intestine out through the skin temporarily) and reconnect the bowel later, after the inflammation has been reduced. Approximately 40 to 70 percent of patients with Crohn's require surgery at some time.
The decision to operate in Crohn's disease should take into consideration the high risk of disease recurrence after a surgical procedure. Be sure that you research this topic well and discuss this option throughly with your physicians before you decide.
Note: My son (at age 15) had surgery to remove about 15 inches of his small intestine and I believe it was a great decision for him. He immediately starting growing again and has felt normal again for the first time in years. He still has infusions every 3 months, but no side effects. I pray that he continues this way, but realize that a flareup could happen down the road.
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