When Does Crohn’s Disease Require Surgery?
By Dr. Vikrant Kale – IBD & Gastrointestinal Specialist, Kaizen Gastro Care, Pune
Crohn’s disease is a long-term inflammatory condition that affects the digestive tract, most commonly the small intestine and colon. It’s one of the two major types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), the other being ulcerative colitis.
While many people with Crohn’s disease can manage their symptoms through medication and lifestyle changes, sometimes surgery becomes necessary to relieve complications or improve quality of life. Understanding when surgery is needed helps patients take timely action and prevent further damage to the intestines.
At Kaizen Gastro Care, Pune, Dr. Vikrant Kale, one of the best Crohn’s Disease Specialists in Pune, Maharashtra, offers advanced and personalized treatment options — including medical and surgical care — to help patients manage this complex condition effectively.
When is Surgery Needed for Crohn’s Disease?
Not every person with Crohn’s disease requires surgery, but in some cases, it becomes essential when:
- Medications Stop Working: If medicines like steroids or immunosuppressants no longer control inflammation or symptoms, surgery might be considered to remove or repair the affected section of the intestine.
- Intestinal Blockage (Stricture): Chronic inflammation can cause scarring and narrowing (strictures) of the intestines, leading to pain, bloating, and obstruction. Surgery can help open or remove the blocked area to restore normal digestion.
- Abscesses or Fistulas: Crohn’s disease may cause pus-filled abscesses or abnormal connections (fistulas) between organs. These can be painful and may require surgical drainage or repair.
- Severe Bleeding or Perforation: In rare cases, internal bleeding or a hole (perforation) in the bowel can occur. These are medical emergencies that require immediate surgical attention.
- Cancer Risk or Precancerous Changes: Patients with long-standing Crohn’s disease, especially in the colon, may develop precancerous changes that need surgical removal to prevent colorectal cancer.
Types of Surgery for Crohn’s Disease:
Depending on the location and severity, different surgical procedures may be recommended:
- Strictureplasty: Widens narrowed sections of the intestine without removing any part.
- Bowel Resection: Removes the damaged portion of the bowel and joins the healthy ends.
- Colectomy or Ileostomy: In severe cases, parts of the colon may be removed or rerouted to allow healing.
At Kaizen Gastro Care, Dr. Vikrant Kale and his team use minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques wherever possible, helping patients recover faster with less pain and scarring.
Recovery and Life After Crohn’s Disease Surgery:
Surgery for Crohn’s disease is not a cure, but it can significantly reduce symptoms and improve daily comfort. After surgery, patients usually continue medical management to prevent recurrence.
Regular follow-ups, a balanced diet, and stress management play an important role in maintaining remission and avoiding flare-ups.
Expert Crohn’s Disease Treatment in Pune:
Our expert, Dr. Vikrant Kale, one of the best Crohn’s Disease Specialists in Pune, Maharashtra, India, provides comprehensive treatment for Crohn’s disease at Kaizen Gastro Care.
He successfully completed a Fellowship in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) from Oxford University, U.K. (2018) and has extensive experience in managing complex IBD cases, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
If you’ve been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease or want more information about your treatment options, Dr. Vikrant Kale can guide you with advanced care and help you manage your condition effectively.
When to Consult a Crohn’s Disease Specialist?
If you experience:
- Persistent abdominal pain or diarrhea
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blood in stool
- Fatigue or frequent flare-ups
…it’s time to consult a Crohn’s disease specialist. Early diagnosis and expert management can prevent complications and improve your long-term health.
Book an Appointment with Dr. Vikrant Kale:
Take control of your digestive health with expert guidance from Dr. Vikrant Kale at Kaizen Gastro Care, Pune. With compassionate care and advanced treatment techniques, our goal is to help you live a comfortable, confident life — even with Crohn’s disease.
Location: Kaizen Gastro Care, Wakad, Pune
Consultant: Dr. Vikrant Kale – Fellowship in IBD (Oxford University, UK)
Visit Website : https://www.kaizengastrocare.com/