INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE · CONDITION GUIDE
Crohn's Disease
A chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract — causing pain, diarrhoea, malnutrition, and bowel complications requiring surgical management.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Crohn's Disease?
Crohn’s disease is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any segment of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus, most commonly the terminal ileum and colon. It is characterised by transmural inflammation, which can lead to strictures, fistulas, abscesses, and bowel perforation. Symptoms include abdominal pain, persistent diarrhoea, rectal bleeding, weight loss, and fatigue. Dr. Tagore Mohan Grandhi manages surgical complications of Crohn’s disease at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad. Surgery is not curative in Crohn’s disease, but is indicated for complications such as bowel obstruction, fistulas, abscesses, perforation, and failure of medical therapy. Bowel-conserving resection with primary anastomosis is performed wherever possible.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Dysregulated immune response to intestinal bacteria in genetically susceptible individuals
- Genetic mutations including NOD2/CARD15 gene variants
- Gut microbiome imbalance triggering chronic mucosal inflammation
- Environmental triggers including smoking, diet, and early antibiotic use
- Altered intestinal permeability allowing bacterial translocation
- Combination of genetic, microbial, and environmental factors
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Terminal ileum and colon most commonly
Up to 70% of patients require surgery within 10 years
Bowel-conserving resection; not curative
Temporary or permanent stoma in selected cases
Endoscopic recurrence common; medical prophylaxis recommended
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hitech City, Hyderabad
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Bowel-Conserving Surgical Approach
In Crohn’s disease, surgery aims to remove only the diseased segment, preserving as much bowel as possible to prevent short bowel syndrome. Dr. Grandhi favours laparoscopic resection with primary anastomosis wherever safe, minimising recovery time and preserving bowel length for the patient’s long-term benefit.
- 1
Gastroenterology & Surgical Assessment
CT or MRI enterography, colonoscopy, and blood tests define the extent and severity of disease, identify complications (strictures, fistulas, abscesses), and determine surgical necessity.
- 2
Optimisation Before Surgery
Nutritional status, anaemia, and steroid load are optimised pre-operatively. Biological therapy may be adjusted to reduce surgical risk. Stoma marking is performed if required.
- 3
Bowel Resection or Drainage Procedure
The diseased bowel segment is resected laparoscopically with primary anastomosis where safe. Fistulas are addressed, abscesses drained, and strictureplasty considered for short strictures to preserve bowel length.
- 4
Post-operative Care & Medical Maintenance
Enhanced recovery is initiated with early oral intake and mobilisation. Post-operative medical therapy with immunomodulators or biologics is commenced to reduce recurrence risk.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
TreatmentOptions
Intestinal Resection
Laparoscopic resection of the diseased bowel segment with primary anastomosis. Bowel-conserving approach used to preserve intestinal length and function.
Primary Bowel Resection
Resection of affected bowel with immediate restoration of continuity where patient condition and bowel quality allow.
Bowel Resection with Colostomy
Resection with formation of a defunctioning or end stoma where primary anastomosis is unsafe due to sepsis, malnutrition, or bowel quality.
Ileostomy
Formation of a loop or end ileostomy to defunction the distal bowel, allow healing of fistulas or anastomoses, or manage acute severe disease.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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