Department of Surgery

Division of Colorectal Surgery

Conditions We Treat

Crohn's Disease

What is Crohn's Disease?

Crohn’s disease is one of the most common intestinal conditions under the umbrella of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). IBDs are believed to be autoimmune disorders, whereby cells that normally attack an invading disease overreact to “good” bacteria, causing inflammation and gradually eating away at the intestinal tract. Ulcers or breaks in the gut lining frequently result.

With Crohn’s disease, inflammation most often develops where the small and large intestines join, causing all layers of the intestinal wall to become sore and swollen.

Symptoms of Crohn's Disease

The inflammation of Crohn’s and its symptoms—among them diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and bloody stools—can calm down and flare up again and again over a period of years. Weight loss and anemia are by-products of this condition.

Learn more about Crohn's Disease

Treatment for Crohn's Disease

Treatment typically involves medication to prevent flare-ups, but severe, persistent symptoms or complications may require additional medication or surgery.