Total colectomy

If the problems of Crohn's disease are severe, the entire large intestineThe section of gut, or gastrointestinal tract, from the stomach to the anus. (colonThe large intestine.) may need to be removed. This is called a colectomyThe surgical removal of the colon.. The end of the small intestineThe section of gut, or gastrointestinal tract, from the stomach to the anus. can be joined to the rectum, if it is healthy.

However, surgeons and specialists are often reluctant to recommend this type of surgery as there is a high risk of the disease returning in the small intestineThe section of gut, or gastrointestinal tract, from the stomach to the anus. just above the join (anastomosis) within a short time of having the operation.