Surgical Treatment of Crohn's Disease

What is Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is a disease of the digestive system. It may affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus. As a result, the symptoms of Crohn's disease vary among afflicted individuals. The main gastrointestinal symptoms are abdominal pain, diarrhea (which may be visibly bloody), vomiting, or weight loss. Crohn's disease can also cause complications outside of the gastrointestinal tract such as skin rashes, arthritis, and inflammation of the eye.

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The precise cause of Crohn's disease is not known. The disease occurs when the immune system attacks the gastrointestinal tract; for this reason, Crohn's disease is considered an autoimmune disease. This autoimmune activity produces inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. For this reason, Crohn's disease is classified as an inflammatory bowel disease.