Take 5: Inflammatory bowel disease

When is surgery an option for inflammatory bowel disease?

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When is surgery an option for inflammatory bowel disease?

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are together known as inflammatory bowel disease but the treatment options are different for each condition.

“Crohn’s is a bugger because it can affect anywhere from mouth to anus,” says Dr John Lumley, a colorectal surgeon and the director of colorectal diagnostics.

We can’t fix Crohn’s. Surgery doesn’t fix Crohn’s and surgery is usually limited to complications of Crohn’s disease – perforation … or a fistula formation.”

But as ulcerative colitis only affects the large bowel, it can be cured through surgery.

“We can cut out the large bowel,’ says Dr Lumley. “And get them away from having any of the symptoms.”

[media_embed]https://player.vimeo.com/video/203403177[/media_embed]

In this video, says Dr Lumley discusses:

– What are the main differences between the types of patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis?
– What surgical conditions should be considered?
– What are the outcomes for surgery?