FAQS

WHAT IS CROHN’S DISEASE?

Crohn’s disease is a condition where any part of the digestive tract (mouth to anus) can become inflamed.
Most commonly affects the end of small intestine and beginning of large intestine.

Key Features

• Patchy disease (normal area between diseased areas)

• Involves full thickness of bowel wall

• Can cause fistulas, strictures, abscess

3. WHAT IS ULCERATIVE COLITIS?

Ulcerative colitis affects only the large intestine (colon and rectum).

Key Features

• Continuous disease (no normal gaps)

• Affects only inner lining

• Causes bleeding ulcers

• Higher long-term risk of colon cancer

4. WHAT ARE COMMON SYMPTOMS OF BOTH?

• Frequent diarrhea

• Blood or mucus in stool (more common in UC)

• Abdominal pain

• Weight loss

• Weakness / anemia

• Fever during flares

5. WHAT CAUSES THESE DISEASES?

Exact cause is unknown, but believed to be due to:

• Immune system overreaction

• Genetic tendency

• Environmental triggers

• Gut bacteria imbalance

6. HOW ARE THEY TREATED INITIALLY?

Most patients are treated first with medicines, not surgery.

Medicines Include:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs

• Steroids

• Immunosuppressants

• Biologic injections

• Nutrition therapy

7. WHEN IS SURGERY NEEDED IN CROHN’S DISEASE?

Surgery is not a cure in Crohn’s disease. Disease may come back.
Surgery is done only for complications.

Indications for Surgery in Crohn’s

• Intestinal obstruction (stricture)

• Fistula (abnormal connections)

• Abscess or perforation

• Severe bleeding

• Failure of medicines

• Cancer suspicion

Types of Surgery

• Resection: Removing diseased segment

• Strictureplasty: Widening narrowed intestine

• Fistula repair

• Abscess drainage

Important Point

Even after surgery, Crohn’s can recur, so long-term medicines are still needed.

8. WHEN IS SURGERY NEEDED IN ULCERATIVE COLITIS?

Surgery in ulcerative colitis can be curative, because disease is limited to colon.

Indications for Surgery in UC

• Severe bleeding

• Toxic megacolon (dangerous colon swelling)

• Perforation

• Cancer or precancer

• Failure of medicines

• Long-standing disease with high cancer risk

9. WHAT SURGERIES ARE DONE IN ULCERATIVE COLITIS?

A. Total Proctocolectomy (Curative)

Removal of entire colon and rectum.

Two options after removal:

1. Ileostomy

Small intestine is brought out to skin → stool collected in a bag.

2. J-Pouch (IPAA – Ileal Pouch Anal Anastomosis)

A pouch is made from small intestine and connected to anus → patient passes stool normally without bag.

10. WHAT ARE SURGERY OUTCOMES?

Crohn’s Disease

• Relieves symptoms

• Not a cure

• Recurrence common

• Multiple surgeries may be needed

Ulcerative Colitis

• Surgery can completely cure disease

• J-pouch gives near-normal lifestyle

• Small risk of pouchitis (inflammation of pouch)

11. WHAT ARE RISKS OF SURGERY?

• Infection

• Leakage from bowel join

• Bleeding

• Stoma complications

• Recurrence (Crohn’s)

12. CAN PATIENTS LIVE NORMAL LIFE AFTER SURGERY?

Yes.
Most patients return to work and normal diet with proper follow-up.
Lifestyle, nutrition, and regular doctor visits are important.

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In short:

• Crohn’s surgery = control complications

• Ulcerative colitis surgery = potential cure

Early diagnosis and timely surgical decision greatly improve quality of life.