What type of surgery is done for Crohn's disease?

As a general rule, our surgeons aim to preserve as much of the bowel as possible (using bowel sparing surgery) when surgery is needed. Typically, for isolated disease that affects only a small area of the intestine, the initial operation used is called a resection. The surgeon will cut above and below the diseased area, remove a section of the intestine, and reconnect the two areas. This allows for the relief of symptoms such as bloating, nausea, pain, and vomiting.

Short areas of stricturing can be treated with a procedure called a strictureplasty. A strictureplasty does not remove the diseased segment of the bowel, but opens the narrowing in a way that restores flow of intestinal contents and allows nutrients to be absorbed. Sometimes, it is necessary to undergo multiple strictureplasties in a single operation if several areas of the small intestine are diseased.

When stricturing is more extensive (over a greater area) and patients have threatened short bowel syndrome, a side-to-side isoperistaltic strictureplasty may be needed. This technique was developed by Dr. Fabrizio Michelassi, the surgeon-in-chief at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell, and alleviates symptoms while preserving as much intestine as possible.