When a patient suffers from inflammatory bowel disease, surgery is often a last resort to heal damage and ease symptoms of the condition. Because inflammatory bowel disease actually refers to a group of diseases that cause chronic inflammation in the intestines, different forms of surgery are available to treat IBD. Ulcerative colitis, which causes inflammation and ulcers to form on the large intestine, or colon, is one form of IBD. Since ulcerative colitis is restricted to this area, a colectomy, which is the surgical removal of the colon, will actually cure the condition. Lifestyle changes and medications are usually attempted before a colectomy will be considered. In about 30 percent of patients, these changes will not promote healing, and surgery may become necessary. Patients whose conditions have led to precancerous changes in the colon are also likely candidates for a colectomy. If removal of the colon is necessary, an ileoanal anastomosis may be performed. This procedure involves removal of the entire large intestine, in addition to removal of the affected rectum lining. After the large intestine is removed, the end of the small intestine is attached to the anal canal. This allows the patient to continue to defecate through the rectum. Less frequently, the entire rectum must be removed along with the colon in a procedure called procto-colectomy. When this is the case, a surgeon will create a small opening called a stoma in the lower abdomen. A tube or bag is worn over the stoma to collect stool. The other common form of inflammatory bowel disease is called Crohn's disease. In this condition, any part of a patient's digestive tract, from mouth to anus, may be inflamed. With Crohn's disease, doctors usually prefer to avoid performing surgery, because of the recurring nature of the condition. However, complications of Crohn's disease may nevertheless require surgery. The simplest procedure to treat Crohn's disease is a segmental resection, which involves removing only the portion of intestine that is affected by the condition. On occasion, patients with Crohn's disease may undergo a strictureplasty, which simply involves widening a narrowed area, or stricture, of the small intestine without removing anything from the body. Although surgeries for IBD can drastically reduce symptoms, it's important to discuss the pros and cons with your doctor before undergo a serious operation. Inflammatory bowel disease affects more than one million Americans, so if you have the condition you are not alone! Talk to your doctor to determine which treatment options are best for you.