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Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2007; 20(4): 309-313
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-991030
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Colonic Crohn's Disease

Steven Mills1 , Michael J. Stamos1
  • 1Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, Irvine, Orange, California
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Publication History

Publication Date:
16 October 2007 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of uncertain etiology. It can affect any portion of the GI tract, involving the colon in ~60% of cases. Diagnosis can be unclear, but suspicion can be raised based upon clinical, endoscopic, and pathologic findings. Initial management is often medical, with surgery reserved for patients with colonic complications of Crohn's disease, such as hemorrhage, fulminant colitis, abscess or fistula, stricture, and malignant transformation. The operative choice and conduct depends upon the clinical presentation and intraoperative findings. The extent of resection is controversial, but segmental resection is appropriate in selected cases.

KEYWORDS

Crohn's disease - colon - colitis - surgery

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Steven MillsM.D. 

Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, UCI Medical Center

The City Tower, 333 City Blvd. West, Ste. 850, Orange, CA 92868

Email: sdmills@uci.edu

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