Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Surgical management of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
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Overview
IBD is a chronic immune-mediated condition causing inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. About 1 in 250 Australians live with IBD — and the number is growing. It often begins in early adulthood and requires lifelong care and monitoring.
Most patients are managed medically by a gastroenterologist. Surgery treats complications or severe disease, but IBD requires ongoing medical management. Diagnosis involves colonoscopy with biopsy, CT or MRI, and blood and stool inflammatory markers.
Typical Symptoms
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Rectal bleeding
- Urgency
- Fatigue and weight loss
When Surgery Is Recommended
- Obstruction from strictures
- Fistulas or abscesses develop
- Medication fails to control symptoms
- Dysplasia or cancer risk increases
Surgical Options
- Bowel resection for strictures or disease segments
- Drainage of abscesses or fistulas
- Management of perianal disease (fistula surgery, abscess drainage, seton placement)
- Portacath insertion for patients requiring long-term biologic infusion therapy