Inflammatory Bowel Disease Many outcome indicators can be used to measure the success of, and risks associated with, treatment. The indicators used depend on the treatment or procedure. If you have a chronic illness such as IBD, however, the issues are different.
Complications are a measure of quality.
People undergoing surgery for Crohn's or ulcerative colitis are at an increased risk for developing complications. And complications in certain types of patients may be inevitable. Therefore, a hospital's complication rate is an appropriate measure of quality for IBD treatment. Complications that could develop include fistulas and abscesses, new strictures, infections, inflammation and bowel obstruction. When this happens, the infected pouch must be removed and a permanent ileostomy with an external bag must be put in its place.