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Understanding Resection Surgery for Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is a long-lasting inflammation in the digestive system that can cause a lot of problems like pain, diarrhoea, tiredness, and not getting enough nutrients. When medicine and other treatments don’t work well, surgery may be needed.

Resection surgery for Crohn’s disease is a procedure that removes a damaged section of the small or large intestine and joins the healthy ends together, called an anastomosis. Resections are sometimes performed to treat fistulas and abscesses in the small bowel. There are different ways to do this surgery: laparoscopic, robotic, or open surgery, depending on how bad the disease is and how the patient is doing.

Resection Surgery Treats:

Check IconSevere Crohn’s disease that hasn’t responded to medicines.
Check IconStrictures or blockages in the intestines.
Check IconFistulas (abnormal connections between organs).
Check IconAbscesses and other complications due to Crohn’s.
 

Understanding Resection Surgery for Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is a long-lasting inflammation in the digestive system that can cause a lot of problems like pain, diarrhoea, tiredness, and not getting enough nutrients. When medicine and other treatments don’t work well, surgery may be needed.

Resection surgery for Crohn’s disease is a procedure that removes a damaged section of the small or large intestine and joins the healthy ends together, called an anastomosis. Resections are sometimes performed to treat fistulas and abscesses in the small bowel. There are different ways to do this surgery: laparoscopic, robotic, or open surgery, depending on how bad the disease is and how the patient is doing.

Resection Surgery Treats:

Check IconSevere Crohn’s disease that hasn’t

responded to medicines.
Check IconStrictures or blockages in

the intestines.
Check IconFistulas (abnormal connections

between organs).
Check IconAbscesses and other complications

due to Crohn’s.

How Does the Resection Treatment Work?

resection

The type of surgery used depends on the patient’s situation. The preferred approach for initial resections is laparoscopic surgery. Robotic surgery and open surgery are also options.

Laparoscopic or keyhole

Keyhole surgery, or laparoscopy, uses small cuts and tiny cameras to operate. Many common operations for Crohn’s disease can be done using keyhole surgery. The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia, so you don’t feel any pain.

During keyhole surgery, the surgeon makes four or five small cuts, each only about 1 cm long. In single-port laparoscopy, only one slightly larger cut is made.

A small camera, a light, and surgical tools are passed through the cuts. A harmless gas is used to inflate the tummy so the surgeon has more space to see and operate on the bowel. If a portion of the bowel needs to be removed, a bigger incision might be made.

Keyhole surgery takes longer than open surgery, but it has several benefits:

  • Less pain after the operation.
  • Smaller scars.
  • Faster recovery, such as eating and drinking sooner after the operation.
  • Lower risk of wound infection or hernia.
  • A shorter stay in the hospital.
  • Better fertility results in women.

Robotic

Robotic surgery is a safe and practical choice for treating Crohn’s disease. It can be used for surgeries in the lower part of the rectum, which can be tricky with regular surgery. This involves robotic assistance and allows for very precise and careful movements. It’s great for complicated cases because it gives the surgeon more control during the operation.

Open

Open surgery, which is also known as laparotomy, is the conventional method of performing surgery on the abdomen. The surgeon creates a single larger incision in the abdominal area and is able to visually inspect the internal organs without the use of cameras. This approach may be employed in emergency surgical procedures that require immediate intervention. It may also be the preferred option for individuals with a history of prior surgeries. Open surgery is performed under general anaesthesia, ensuring that the patient is fully unconscious and unable to perceive any discomfort.

Treatment At a Glance

Purpose

Purpose

Crohn’s disease
Procedure Duration

Procedure Duration

1 - 90 Minutes
Anaesthesia

Anaesthesia

General

Purpose

Crohn’s disease

Pain

Moderate to high

Procedure Duration

1 - 90 Minutes

Recovery Time

Up to 3 months

Drive

After 2 weeks

Anaesthesia

General

Recovery Time

Recovery Time

Up to 3 months
Pain

Pain

Moderate to high
Drive

Drive

After 2 weeks

Benefits of Resection Surgery

Relief from Symptoms

Removing the damaged portion of the bowel can ease the pain, bleeding, and discomfort associated with Crohn’s disease flare-ups.

Minimally Invasive Options

Laparoscopic and robotic procedures are less invasive, offering a quicker recovery time, minimal scarring, and reduced post-operative pain.

Restored Bowel Function

Patients regain better control over their digestive system, allowing for more regular bowel movements and fewer complications.

Improved Quality of Life

Post-surgery, many patients experience a significant reduction in Crohn’s symptoms, leading to greater comfort, more energy, and fewer hospitalisations.

Reduced Discomfort

With fewer incisions and stitches, you may experience less pain and discomfort during your recovery after surgery.

Lower Risk of Recurrence

Surgery can significantly reduce the likelihood of Crohn’s disease reappearing, helping manage long-term flare-ups and complications.

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Resection Surgery Cost

Consultations start at £200. Please request a callback by filling out the contact form. We look forward to assisting you!

Why Choose Leicester Bowel Clinic?

At Leicester Bowel Clinic, we focus on bowel health and conditions, digestive issues, and cancer care. Our clinic offers minimally invasive procedures for bowel problems, ensuring effective results and patient comfort. We aim to provide personalised care for our patients and offer the latest treatments for hernias, bowel conditions and rectal disorders

Our Locations

Leicester Bowel Clinic at Spire Hospital

  • Wednesdays evenings (Mr Runau) from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm at: Spire Leicester Hospital Gartree Road Leicester LE2 2FF
  • To arrange an appointment directly with the Spire Leicester Hospital, please call the booking line on 0116 2653685

*Free on-site parking is available.

Meet The Team

Sanjay Chaudhri

Mr Sanjay Chaudhri

Francois Runau

Mr Francois Runau

Pippa Powley

Pippa Powley

Rebecca West

Rebecca West

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Resection Surgery

01. What is resection surgery for Crohn's disease?

Resection surgery for Crohn’s disease is when a part of your small or large intestine that has been damaged by the disease is removed during a surgical procedure. The unhealthy section of the intestine is taken out, and the two healthy ends are then joined together.

02. Is Crohn's disease serious?

In children, it can slow down their growth and development. Over time, Crohn’s disease can cause other problems such as bowel blockage, sores, abnormal passages, tears, and other health issues. It can also raise the risk of blood clots and colon cancer.

03. Can Crohn's disease return after surgery?

After surgery, Crohn’s disease can return, and about 25 percent of patients may require another surgery within 5 years of their first one. Regular colonoscopy can help detect a recurrence of Crohn’s disease before symptoms reappear.

04. Can people with Crohn's disease live a normal life?

Living with Crohn’s disease can be tough, but it’s possible to have a normal life if your symptoms are well managed. There’s no specific diet for adults with Crohn’s disease, but children may sometimes need a special liquid diet to manage their symptoms.

05. Is Crohn's disease curable?

Crohn’s disease is a long-term condition. Currently, there is no cure, but improvements in medicine are making it easier to manage and increasing the chances of long periods without symptoms. With treatment and self-care, many people with Crohn’s disease can live a full life.

06. What foods should I avoid with Crohn's disease?

Doctors often suggest that people with Crohn’s disease keep a food journal of everything they eat and how much. They can write down any symptoms they experience after eating certain foods. Common foods that might make symptoms worse are spicy foods, dairy products, alcohol, and high-fibre grains.
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