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Mayo Clinic is recognized internationally for its excellence in treating Crohn's disease. Each year about 2,000 patients with Crohn's disease come to Mayo Clinic for care. Gastroenterologists, colorectal surgeons, radiologists and pathologists work together to diagnose and treat Crohn's disease. At Mayo Clinic, patients have access to the latest therapies and leading experts and researchers on Crohn's disease. Surgery is necessary in some cases. Mayo's colorectal surgery program is one of the largest in the world. Mayo surgeons are at the forefront of minimally invasive surgery for inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's.
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., ranked No. 1 among U.S. hospitals in the specialty of digestive disorders in the 2007 U.S. News Best Hospitals ranking.
Mayo offers the latest in screening and diagnostic services for Crohn's disease. Diagnostic tools include laboratory and radiology tests and endoscopic procedures. Physicians work together to rule out diseases such as ulcerative colitis or irritable bowel syndrome. The correct diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. Read more about Crohn's disease diagnosis.
The treatment of Crohn's disease depends on its location and severity, the presence of complications and the patient's response to medications. The primary goal for treatment is to reduce and prevent the inflammation that triggers symptoms. At Mayo Clinic, health care team members discuss with patients the most appropriate approach for care. Important new drug therapies have been developed and great strides have been made in minimally invasive surgical procedures for Crohn's disease. Read more about Crohn's disease treatment options.
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract with symptoms that include abdominal pains, fever, nausea, vomiting, weight loss and diarrhea. Complications include bleeding, fistulas and anal fissures. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis have similar symptoms — both inflame the lining of the digestive tract and can cause severe bouts of watery and sometimes bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain. Crohn's disease can occur anywhere in the digestive tract, often spreading deep into the layers of affected tissues. Ulcerative colitis, by comparison, usually affects only the innermost lining (mucosa) of the large intestine (colon) and rectum.
There's no known medical cure for Crohn's disease. However, therapies are available that may dramatically reduce symptoms and even bring about a long-term remission. Researchers recently identified a gene that, when defective, can trigger the disease in some people. This discovery may lead to more effective treatments for Crohn's disease.
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Sam and Laura Kirstein biked across the country to show that people with inflammatory bowel disease can still lead an active life. "If you persevere, there is light at the end of the tunnel."
Read Sam and Laura's story.
Read all patient stories.
New Crohn's Drug
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