Crohn’s and Colitis are two major diseases under the Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) category. While similarly classified, these are very different diseases and require different prognoses and surgeries.
In ulcerative colitis, the lining of the large intestine (colon) becomes inflamed and develops open, painful wounds, known as ulcers. Found in any part of the digestive tract, the inflammation caused by Crohn’s disease can extend much deeper into the layers of the intestinal walls.
"Generally, surgery is indicated [when diseases] are not responding to medical options anymore, or there are no medical options remaining." - Dr. Paula Denoya
Stony Brook Medicine's Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery's highly trained, expert physicians treat Crohn's and colitis with a variety of surgical procedures. According to Associate Professor of Surgery, Paula Denoya, MD, "Generally, surgery is indicated for medically refractory disease, meaning they are not responding to medical options anymore, or there are no medical options remaining. In addition, surgery can be indicated for emergency situations like a bowel perforation or obstruction, and sometimes for cancer that has developed in the setting of these diseases."
"We offer a minimally invasive approach whenever possible...." - Dr. Denoya
Our Colon and Rectal surgeons offer minimally invasive surgical options for patients whose Crohn’s or Colitis require surgical intervention. "We offer a minimally invasive approach whenever possible, which is laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery," said Dr. Denoya. Robotic, minimally invasive surgery is also available for patients who need all or part of their colon removed (colectomy) or restorative proctocolectomy (j pouch surgery), which is a procedure to replace the colon and rectum with a j-shaped pouch that is created from the end of the patient's small intestine (the ileum).
Patients who undergo a minimally invasive surgery at Stony Brook can expect to "regain good quality of life and function." According to Dr. Denoya, these patients should be able to avoid further hospitalizations for complications of disease/transfusions, etc. and, in the case of ulcerative colitis after total colectomy, the patients can often stop taking their ulcerative colitis medications.
Visit the Stony Brook Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery to learn more about treatments for Crohn's, colitis and other diseases they treat. You may also call (631) 444-1825 to schedule an appointment.