Crohn’s Disease: When Surgery Is Needed

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. Surgery may be needed when you have: Bowel blockage (obstruction). Abscesses or tears (fissures) in the anal area or when abnormal connections (fistulas) form between…

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Medical review: Adam Husney MD, Arvydas D. Vanagunas MD, E. Gregory Thompson MD

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

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Crohn’s Disease: When Surgery Is Needed

Topic Overview

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.

Surgery may be needed when you have:

  • Bowel blockage (obstruction).
  • Abscesses or tears (fissures) in the anal area or when abnormal connections (fistulas) form between two parts of the intestine or between the intestine and other internal organs.
  • Holes (perforations) in the large intestine.
  • Cancer or precancerous tissue.
  • Severe disease that does not respond to other treatment.
  • Severe bleeding that requires ongoing blood transfusions.

Credits

Current as ofNovember 7, 2018

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson MD – Internal Medicine
Adam Husney MD – Family Medicine
Arvydas D. Vanagunas MD – Gastroenterology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.