{"id":1283,"date":"2010-03-30T05:00:59","date_gmt":"2010-03-30T09:00:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ehealth.cooperhealth.org\/?p=1283"},"modified":"2010-03-30T05:00:59","modified_gmt":"2010-03-30T09:00:59","slug":"a-hard-life-made-easier-expert-surgical-care-for-inflammatory-bowel-diseases","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cooperhealth.org\/ehealth\/2010\/03\/30\/a-hard-life-made-easier-expert-surgical-care-for-inflammatory-bowel-diseases\/","title":{"rendered":"A Hard Life Made Easier: Expert Surgical Care for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Crohn\u2019s disease and ulcerative colitis have dramatically impacted the health and quality of life for the nearly 1 million people suffering from these inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Crohn\u2019s disease and ulcerative colitis typically strike young people, most often between the ages of 15 and 30, although younger children and older adults are at moderate risk, as well.<\/p>\n

Not much is known about the cause of these diseases. Medical research indicates it may be an abnormal response to the body\u2019s immune system. The theory is that the body mistakenly attacks bacteria and food normally found in the intestines as it would a foreign substance. The body then sends an abundance of white blood cells to the area, causing the intestines to swell, become inflamed and for many, bring on a host of painful, life altering and potentially deadly symptoms.<\/p>\n

Cooper\u2019s colorectal surgeons<\/a>, Mark J. Pello, M.D.<\/a>, F.A.C.S., and Benjamin R. Phillips, M.D.<\/a>, F.A.C.S., are experts in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of Crohn\u2019s disease, ulcerative colitis and other diseases and conditions that affect the colon, rectum and anus.\u00a0Drs. Pello and Phillips\u00a0are renowned for their ability to perform the most complex procedures, using the most advanced minimally invasive and open surgical techniques on the most seriously ill patients.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy using special laparoscopic, minimally invasive surgical techniques, we can now remove the entire colon and rectum if we have to and still preserve our patients\u2019 ability to control their body,\u201d says Dr. Pello, Head of Colorectal Surgery<\/a> at Cooper University Hospital.<\/p>\n

Surgical Intervention Can Change and Save Lives<\/h3>\n

Crohn\u2019s disease and ulcerative colitis both result in abdominal pain and cramping. They also cause diarrhea \u2013 sending suffers to the bathroom up to 20 times a day or more \u2013 as well as bleeding, weight loss, fever, fatigue, and at times, constipation. Severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration, rapid heartbeat and a drop in blood pressure, while gastrointestinal bleeding often leads to anemia.<\/p>\n

IBDs can also cause the body to form ulcers \u2013 open wounds within the lower digestive tract \u2013 as well as fistulas and abscesses. An abscess is a pus-filled, tender mass caused by swelling. A fistula is an abnormal connection, often referred to as a tunnel, between two areas within the body, such as between the bladder, vagina or skin.<\/p>\n

Surgery is required when medical management of the IBDs no longer works or complications such as intestinal blockage, excessive bleeding and perforation of the bowel occur. The goal of surgery is to save lives, alleviate complications, improve the quality of life for patients, and to conserve as much of the intestine as possible.<\/p>\n

Not everyone with Crohn\u2019s disease or ulcerative colitis will need surgery. About 40 percent of ulcerative colitis patients and up to 75 percent of Crohn\u2019s disease patients will require surgery at some point. Some people will need more than one surgery over the course of their lives.<\/p>\n

Cooper\u2019s colorectal surgeons, Drs. Pello and Phillips, use the latest minimally invasive techniques to make sure patients feel less pain, heal quicker and preserve as much normal bodily function as possible.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe want our patients to live healthy lives without the need for a colostomy bag,\u201d says Dr. Pello.<\/p>\n

Sparing the Colon<\/h3>\n
\"\"

Cooper\u2019s colorectal surgeons, Mark J. Pello, M.D., F.A.C.S., and Benjamin R. Phillips, M.D., F.A.C.S.<\/p><\/div>\n

The most common surgery for ulcerative colitis, for example, is a colon resection \u2013 the removal and reattachment of all or part of the colon and rectum. Cooper\u2019s specially trained surgeons perform up to 175 resections a year, with more than half being done\u00a0using minimally invasive techniques. The surgeons\u00a0use a harmonic scalpel, a surgical tool that uses high-frequency sound waves to cut and seal vessels without the need for stitches. The procedure is performed via a few small incisions, with the longest only 2.5 inches\u00a0to 3 inches long.<\/p>\n

During the procedure, Drs. Pello and Phillips remove the diseased portion of the colon then reattach the healthy ends of the intestines to each other. When the entire colon and rectum needs removal, Cooper\u2019s surgeons make every effort to join the end of the intestine to the rectum.<\/p>\n

According to Dr. Pello, the surgeons usually can create a new rectum from the small intestine, avoiding the need for a permanent colostomy bag. Preserving normal bodily function allows their patients to live happy, healthy and very productive lives, he adds.<\/p>\n

Related Links<\/h2>\n