8. Surgical Interventions: The Last Line of Defense
While medications form the frontline in IBD management, sometimes, they aren’t enough. In such cases, surgical interventions come into play, serving as a vital tool in the IBD management arsenal.
The nature of the surgery varies based on the IBD type and the affected gut region. For instance, in severe ulcerative colitis cases, the entire colon might be removed. In Crohn’s disease, only the affected gut sections might be taken out, leaving the healthy parts intact.
Surgery, while effective, isn’t without its challenges. Post-operative care is crucial. There’s also the psychological adjustment to possibly living with a stoma, where the gut’s end is brought out through the abdominal wall.
However, advancements in surgical techniques, especially minimally invasive procedures, have made these interventions safer and more effective. For many, surgery brings about a renewed lease on life, offering a reprieve from the relentless IBD symptoms. (8)
