Lowenfeld L¹, Cologne KG². Surg Clin North Am. 2019 Dec;99(6):1095-1109. doi: 10.1016/j.suc.2019.08.003. Epub 2019 Sep 13.

Author information

1 Surgery, Division of Colorectal Surgery, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, 1441 Eastlake Avenue, Suite 7418, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.

2 Surgery, Division of Colorectal Surgery, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, 1441 Eastlake Avenue, Suite 7418, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA. Electronic address: kyle.cologne@med.usc.edu.

Abstract

Treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is often multidimensional, requiring both medical and surgical therapies at different times throughout the course of the disease. Both medical and surgical treatments may be used in the acute setting, during a flare, or in a more elective maintenance role. These treatments should be planned as complementary and synergistic. Gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons should collaborate to create a cohesive treatment plan, arranging the sequence and timing of various treatments. This article reviews the anticipated postoperative recovery after surgical treatment of IBD, possible postoperative complications, and considerations of timing surgery with medical therapy.