Crohn’s disease is a condition categorized by chronic inflammation in the intestinal tract. The inflammation typically occurs at the end of the small intestine or in the first part of the colon. It can occur in other areas, but this blog is going to focus on how Crohn’s disease affects your colon.
Crohn’s Disease Causes and Symptoms
There is no direct cause of Crohn’s disease, but medical experts believe there are certain factors at play that could lead to chronic inflammation in the intestinal tract. They believe individuals with certain hereditary characteristics or a family history of the condition are more likely to develop it, and they believe it may also be caused by issues in your immune system or the presence of bacteria in your intestines that cause an inflammatory immune response from your body.
Symptoms of Crohn’s disease include:
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Pain in the abdomen
- Blood in the stool
Surgery For Crohn’s Disease
Some people may be able to manage their intestinal inflammation with medications, but that’s typically not the case in the long term. Medical data suggests that roughly 75 percent of individuals with Crohn’s disease will require surgery at some point in their life to relieve symptoms or because another problem developed.
When your intestine or colon is chronically inflamed, other issues can develop. For example, it can lead to intestinal blockage, bowel abscess or perforation, or in some cases, colon cancer. If your colon is found to be the issue, or if colon cancer develops, your doctor will likely recommend that you undergo a colectomy or proctocolectomy.
- Colectomy – This procedure involves removing diseased or damaged sections of the colon.
- Proctocolectomy – A proctocolectomy involves the removal of the colon and rectum, and it usually is paired with an ostomy to help the body get rid of waste.
Medical science has come a long way in a short time, as both a colectomy or resectioning of the colon can be performed with a minimally invasive procedure. This reduces surgical scarring, decreases the likelihood of complications and helps the patient recover sooner. Like all surgeries, there are some risks involved, including bleeding, infection and inflammation of nearby tissues. Your surgeon knows how to account for and minimize these risks.
So if you are experiencing symptoms of Crohn’s disease and you live in the Minneapolis area, reach out to Dr. Koeplin today. He can get to the bottom of your discomfort and help you find a solution. Contact his office today.
