(Courtesy of Englewood Health) Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)—the umbrella term for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis—and other complex gastrointestinal conditions, such as diverticulitis, can have a significant impact on a person’s day-to-day life. It is important to be aware of these conditions, as research has found a higher rate of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis in Ashkenazi Jews. Risk factors are thought to be both genetic and environmental.

“We find that Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis run in families,” said Anna Serur, MD, chief of colon and rectal surgery at Englewood Health and a member of the Englewood Health Physician Network. “It affects people across generations, as well as sisters and brothers. The good news is that we know a lot more about these diseases today than we did even five years ago. As a result, treatments are becoming more individualized.

“At Englewood Health, we offer a multidisciplinary approach for patients with IBD and other complex gastrointestinal conditions. Our team includes gastroenterologists, surgeons and registered dietitians, who work together to develop an individualized plan for each patient.”

Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory disease of the intestinal tract. With Crohn’s, patients have periods of active disease, when they experience signs and symptoms, and periods of remission, when the signs and symptoms cease. These can include intense abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, weight loss, malnutrition and fatigue.

While there is no way to prevent Crohn’s disease, and it is currently incurable, there are many successful, well-tolerated medications to treat it. Newer medications have been, and continue to be, developed that target patients with specific types of disease. Better nutrition, lifestyle changes, and smoking cessation for those who smoke can also help to alleviate symptoms. However, in cases where medical treatment and lifestyle modifications are not effective enough at controlling the disease, surgery may be necessary.

At Englewood Health, minimally invasive surgery can be performed either laparoscopically or robotically. With minimally invasive surgery, patients recover quickly and return to their normal routines within a few weeks.

Because Crohn’s disease is a lifelong condition, it is important to have on your team a surgeon with whom you feel comfortable, in case you require surgery in the future.

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease that causes long-term inflammation and ulcers (sores) in the lining of the colon. The condition usually begins between ages 15 and 25, but can show up at any time in life. Signs and symptoms tend to develop over time, rather than suddenly, and can include abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, weight loss and fatigue.

Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent ulcerative colitis. It can be very debilitating and lead to life-threatening complications, such as severe bleeding, perforation of the colon, severe dehydration and rapid swelling of the colon. Patients with ulcerative colitis are also at higher risk for colon cancer.

Ulcerative colitis can be cured with surgery. The surgeon removes the entire colon and rectum and creates an internal reservoir called a J-pouch, allowing the patient to retain the ability to eliminate waste normally. Surgery for ulcerative colitis is one of the most complex colon and rectal surgeries. At Englewood Health, these advanced reconstructive procedures are performed laparoscopically and robotically. Notably, Englewood can perform this surgery as a one-stage procedure, rather than as multiple surgeries over time, which is more common.

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is an inflammation or infection of small pouches that form along the intestinal wall. These pouches most commonly develop in the sigmoid colon and can cause acute or chronic signs and symptoms, including severe abdominal pain and fever. Eating a high-fiber diet, drinking plenty of fluids and getting sufficient exercise may help to prevent diverticulitis (and are part of a generally healthy lifestyle). It is a myth that eating nuts, seeds and popcorn can cause diverticulitis.

Over the past 10 years, diverticulitis treatment protocols have evolved, and surgery is less frequently performed. Surgery is recommended for patients who have had more than four uncomplicated attacks or have had complicated attacks. It is also recommended for patients who have chronic diverticulitis that doesn’t improve or who develop complications such as:

fistulas (abnormal connections between the colon and other organs)

strictures (narrowing of the intestines)

At Englewood Health, minimally invasive surgery is performed for diverticulitis. After surgery, a patient has only a 2 percent chance of recurrent attacks. The chances of relief from symptoms and a quick return to normal life and activity are excellent.

Stress Management

Because stress can bring on flare-ups of all three conditions, it is vital that patients develop a stress management routine. Exercise is particularly helpful—go to the gym, do Pilates or yoga. It can reduce stress and lead to other benefits, as well. It’s good for all of us.

The Takeaway

Do not ignore signs and symptoms. Seek medical care; be vigilant with your body.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Diverticulitis Are Treatable

While these conditions are complex, they are compatible with a normal lifestyle. Under a physician’s care, patients should not be afraid to go on with their lives.