IBD surgery Bunbury
Surgery for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): what to expect
Inflammatory bowel disease Bunbury
Understanding IBD and who it affects
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to chronic inflammation of the bowel. The two most common types are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
IBD affects tens of thousands of Australians. In fact, Australia has one of the highest rates of IBD in the world. As of 2019, it was estimated that over 176,000 Australians were living with IBD. That number is expected to rise to 290,000 by 2030, meaning more than 1 in 100 people could be affected.
Symptoms and complications
The symptoms vary depending on which part of the bowel is inflamed and how severe it is. Common symptoms include:
- Diarrhoea (sometimes with blood)
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Pain or discharge around the bottom (especially with Crohn’s disease)
Over time, some people develop complications, such as:
- Strictures – narrowings in the bowel that block the passage of food
- Fistulas – abnormal tunnels between parts of the bowel or nearby organs
- Abscesses – painful pockets of infection
- Malnutrition – particularly if the small bowel is affected
“It’s common for symptoms to come and go. When they flare up and don’t respond to medical treatment, that’s often when surgery becomes part of the discussion.”
Dr Xavier Harvey – Surgeon, Member of the Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand
IBD surgery Bunbury
Why surgery may be needed
IBD is usually managed with medication. But sometimes, medication isn’t enough. Studies show that up to two-thirds of people with Crohn’s disease will need surgery at some stage. For ulcerative colitis, surgery may be needed if complications arise or medications stop working.
We might consider surgery when:
- There’s a blockage or narrowing in the bowel (stricture)
- An abscess or fistula forms
- There’s bleeding that can’t be controlled
- Medications cause serious side effects or stop working
- There’s concern about cancer risk
In most cases, surgery is planned in advance. But sometimes it’s needed urgently—such as when the bowel perforates or becomes severely inflamed.
What does surgery involve?
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to surgery for IBD. The type of operation depends on whether you have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, and where the inflammation is.
Common procedures include:
- Resection – removing the damaged section of bowel and joining the healthy ends
- Colectomy – removing part or all of the large bowel
- Proctocolectomy – removing the colon and rectum, sometimes with a stoma (see toggle below)
- Seton insertion – a small thread placed in a fistula to allow it to drain and heal
- Stricturoplasty – widening a narrowed section of bowel without removing it
Toggle item: What is a stoma?
A stoma is a small opening created in the abdomen to allow waste to leave the body. Waste collects in a special bag attached to the skin. Not everyone needs a stoma. In some cases, it’s temporary, just to let the bowel rest and heal. In other cases, it may be permanent.
If there’s a chance you may need a stoma, you’ll meet with a stomal therapy nurse before surgery. They’ll explain everything, show you how it works, and make sure you feel supported.
Is surgery for IBD effective?
Surgery for ulcerative colitis can be curative—if the entire colon is removed, the inflammation doesn’t return.
For Crohn’s disease, surgery helps relieve symptoms, but the condition may come back, often near the site of the previous surgery.
We often recommend restarting or continuing medication after surgery to help reduce the risk of recurrence.
Most people report better symptom control and quality of life after surgery.
IBD surgery recovery time
Pre-surgery and post-surgery
Pre-surgery care
Before your surgery, we’ll take steps to make sure you’re well prepared:
- Review your medications
- Support your nutrition
- Meet with the surgical team
- Discuss all options with you (including the possibility of a stoma)
We also follow ERAS principles (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) to help you recover more quickly.
Post-surgery care
Your recovery depends on the type of surgery, but in most cases:
- We’ll guide you step by step through your recovery
- If you have a stoma after surgery, we’ll help you adjust and manage it confidently
- Most people can return to their usual activities in a few weeks
After surgery, follow-up appointments are important to:
- Review your recovery
- Discuss your pathology results
- Monitor for any signs of recurrence (particularly in Crohn’s disease)
- Adjust medications or introduce new ones to help prevent flare-ups
Surgery is just one part of managing IBD. At South West Colorectal Surgery, we work closely with a gastroenterologist to make sure your treatment plan is coordinated and up to date, both before and after your operation.
Risks of surgery
All surgeries carry some risk, including:
General risks:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Reactions to anaesthetic
- Scarring and wound issues
IBD-specific risks:
- Leakage at the site where bowel ends are joined
- Recurrence of Crohn’s disease near the surgery site
- Narrowing or blockage (especially if swelling occurs)
- Stoma-related skin problems or hernias
- Ongoing need for medication
We’ll talk you through these risks and make sure you feel confident about your decision.
Surgery for inflammatory bowel disease FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can IBD be treated with surgery?
Yes, but it depends on the type of IBD. Surgery is not a cure for Crohn’s disease, but it can significantly improve symptoms, especially when there are complications like strictures or fistulas. For ulcerative colitis, surgery can be curative if the entire colon is removed. We explain this further under Is surgery effective?.
What is the most common surgery for IBD?
The most common procedures include bowel resection, where damaged parts of the bowel are removed and the healthy ends are joined, and colectomy, where part or all of the large bowel is removed. Other IBD surgeries include stricturoplasty and seton insertion for perianal Crohn’s disease.
What happens after IBD surgery?
After surgery, you’ll gradually return to eating. If you need a stoma after surgery, you’ll also receive full support from our stomal therapy nurse, including practical advice and reassurance. Recovery times vary, but most people are back to their usual routines within a few weeks. The gastroenterologist will review your medical management and you may also be referred to Tim, our naturopath, to help guide your nutrition and support your recovery. See the What happens after surgery? section for more details.
South West Colorectal Surgery
Get in touch
Have questions or are you ready to schedule your appointment? Contacting us is easy:
Give us a call: Reach out to our friendly team at (08) 9722 1975 to discuss your needs, ask any questions, or book an appointment.
Visiting us? Our map shows where you can find us in Bunbury.
Suite 1, Medical Centre St John of God Bunbury Hospital
Cnr Bussell Hwy and Robertson Dr
Bunbury WA 6230