Operation | Therapy of Crohn’s disease

Operation

Fistulas are a common complication of Crohn’s disease. A fistula is defined as a duct-like joint that does not develop naturally but rather as part of the disease. A distinction is made between internal fistulas, which connect sections of the intestine with each other or end blind, and external fistulas, which connect the rectum with the surface of the skin.

They often mean a high degree of suffering. Fistulas also occur in people without Crohn’s disease. However, if Crohn’s disease is the cause of the fistula, the treatment differs.

Fistulas that do not cause any problems should not be operated on, because wound healing is often disturbed in Crohn’s disease patients. Fistulas that cause pain or secretion can be treated with a suture to drain wound or body fluids (drainage) or by fistulotomy. In a fistulotomy, the fistula passage is opened lengthwise and a wound area is created which must heal openly.

Fistulas that affect the sphincter muscle must not be split, otherwise fecal incontinence may occur. If the fistula is very inflamed with fever, antibiotics are also used. In addition, it is hoped that some of the anti-inflammatory drugs will have a positive effect on fistulas.

Naturopathy/Homeopathy

Naturopathy is part of complementary medicine, so it is not a stand-alone alternative, but a good supplement to conventional medicine. Preparations which are taken in addition, must, even if they are purely vegetable and freely for sale, always with the treating physician be agreed upon, since interactions with the prescribed medicines are possible. Herbal preparations used by Crohn’s patients are for example Frankincense, myrrh, flea seeds, wormwood and chamomile flowers. Unfortunately, the study situation regarding the individual herbal active ingredients is not sufficient. Often only very few patients (case numbers<10) were considered.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complementary medicine, i.e. it is used in addition to conventional standard therapy. Behind the collective name TCM are various methods for the diagnosis and therapy of diseases. The basic idea is that an imbalance of forces is the cause of illness.

The methods used include massage techniques, heat treatments, acupuncture and meditation and movement forms such as Chigong. These methods can also bring relief in Crohn’s disease. However, as with almost all alternative and complementary medical procedures, the costs of these methods are not covered, as they are not scientifically proven.