The Risks of Surgery for Crohn’s
Surgery for Crohn’s is generally safe and effective, and the results are usually good. It can dramatically reduce symptoms that may have been limiting your life. “Almost everyone gets better with surgery,” Cross says.
A resection of more than half of the small intestine may lead to short bowel syndrome, which prevents the absorption of water, vitamins, and other nutrients from the food you eat, Regueiro says. This can cause you to become dangerously dehydrated and lose significant weight.
Short bowel syndrome can be treated with nutritional support and medications, but it may require intravenous nutrition (total parenteral nutrition) or, in extreme cases, an intestinal transplant, Cross says.
People who undergo a bowel resection often need more surgeries down the road.
“Within five years, 50 percent of people who undergo a bowel resection will come back, because they’re having recurring symptoms,” Regueiro says.
The inflammation commonly reappears adjacent to where the surgery was performed.
“Why this happens is the mystery of why Crohn’s happens at all,” he notes. Some people may need two or more additional surgeries. But this shouldn’t stop you from having surgery if you need it, Regueiro says.
If you have advanced or deep-seated Crohn’s, Regueiro recommends seeing a surgeon about a bowel resection. You can also work with your doctor to develop a postoperative treatment plan.
“The goal of surgery is to help keep you from getting sick again,” Regueiro says.