SURGERY FOR A PERFORATION IN CROHN'S DISEASE

When the intestine is so weak that a hole (called a perforation) develops, the contents of the intestine can leak out and cause damage to the intestine nearby and the surrounding area. The entire area can become inflamed and infected with a pocket of infection, an abscess, developing. This usually needs to be removed. 

• At times (usually when the infection is active), it is best to start antibiotics and let the area calm down before surgery is performed.
• A tube going through the nose into the stomach (an NG tube) may be used to empty the stomach contents before and / or after surgery.
• A temporary ostomy may be needed. This is where a loop of bowel above the infection is brought to the skin, so the intestinal contents aren't going through the area. The intestine then empties into a bag on the skin. 
• Once the diseased area is confined, a resection to remove the disease can proceed. At that time, the surgeon may be able to take down the ostomy and connect that section to the lower intestine.