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. This complication almost never occurs in the hands of an experienced surgeon.
Quality of life is important.
A good quality of life generally means a person can function at home and at work, has a good attitude toward life and health, has good relationships, and feels good about his or her body. Quality of life would be considered better after surgery for people with Crohn's disease if they could stop steroid treatment, have no more bowel obstructions, and have peace of mind that a major bowel resection, which could have led to short-bowel syndrome, had been avoided. Quality of life after surgery for ulcerative colitis is improved by a pouch that functions well and frees people of urgency, allowing them to wait for an hour or so from the time they first feel the need to move their bowels. But it is important to discuss it with your doctor and to understand how the quality of your life may be improved by surgery. Therefore, if you're considering surgery for Crohn's or ulcerative colitis, ask for the complication rate.