Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s are uncommon diseases characterised by inflammation of different parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Ulcerative colitis affects part or all of the colon (large bowel) and presents with abdominal pain with loose motions which can be bloody. Crohn’s can affect any part of the gut and the symptoms depend on the locations affected, the more commonly involved sections are where the small bowel joins the colon, the colon itself, and the anus.

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease are managed primarily by a specialist gastroenterologist who will adjust their medications to control the disease and minimize symptoms. They will also perform regular colonoscopies to monitor the disease. Unfortunately, many patients with inflammatory bowel disease will need surgery, either as an emergency when they get very sick or if their medications stop controlling the disease. This is when a colorectal surgeon such as Dr Mackrill will be required.

Resections of the affected small or large bowel are performed laparoscopically (keyhole) though part of the operation has to be performed via a larger cut. This is due to the complexities of inflammatory bowel disease and the reconstructions needed at the end of the operation to reconstruct the remaining bowel.

For patients with anal disease most operations can be performed without the need to stay in hospital overnight. Unfortunately given the nature of inflammatory bowel disease patients who need anal surgery often require multiple operations to help control their disease.