What is IBD

(Inflammatory bowel disease)

Chronic, lifelong disease

Inflammation of the GI tract

Acute flare-ups alternating with remission

colon only

mucosa and submucosa

anywhere in GI tract

transmural inflammation

intra-abdominal abscess

perianal abscess

fistula

UC does rectum, avoids Ileum

Crohn's avoids rectum, ileum common

Affects colon only

starts in rectum; may extend proximally in a continuous fashion

treatment depends on severity

total colectomy is curative

can affect entire GI tract

complications: stricture, fistula, abscess, perianal disease

treatment depends on severity

surgery not curative