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Surgery and complications

If you are living with Crohn's or Colitis, you may be offered surgery as part of your treatment. We know this can be a scary option, but our information goes through all the stages of the process, and should help you feel less alone.

We have separate information about medicines used to treat Crohn's and Colitis.

Surgery for Ulcerative Colitis

Information on why you might be offered surgery for Ulcerative Colitis, the risks and benefits, different types of surgery used and what to expect when having surgery.

Surgery for Crohn's Disease

Information on why you might be offered surgery for Crohn's, the risks and benefits, different types of surgery used and what to expect when preparing for or having surgery.

Living with a stoma

Information about stomas: what a stoma is, who might have one and what it’s like to have one. It includes practical information on looking after a stoma.

Fistulas

Here we give information on fistulas, including symptoms, treatment options and tips for living well with a fistula.

Risk of bowel cancer and other gut-related cancers

This information is for anyone with Crohn’s or Colitis who wants to find out more about the gut-related cancers associated with having Crohn’s or Colitis.

All information about Crohn's and Colitis

Visit all our information to find out more about Crohn's and Colitis, including symptoms, medicines and practical tips for living with Crohn's and Colitis.

All information about Crohn's and Colitis
All information about Crohn's and Colitis

Sign up to our support emails

Have you recently been diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis or Microscopic Colitis?

Our eight, bite-sized, weekly emails can help you:

  • Understand more about life with your condition
  • Read other people’s stories
  • Find out about the support that’s available to you

Sign up to our new series of emails to help you navigate life after diagnosis.

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Helpline service

Helpline
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We know it can be difficult to live with, or support someone living with these conditions. But you’re not alone. We provide up-to-date, evidence-based information and can support you to live well with Crohn’s or Colitis.

Our helpline team can help by:

  • Providing information about Crohn’s and Colitis.

  • Listening and talking through your situation.

  • Helping you to find support from others in the Crohn’s and Colitis community.

  • Providing details of other specialist organisations.

Please be aware we’re not medically or legally trained. We cannot provide detailed financial or benefits advice or specialist emotional support.

Please contact us via telephone, email or LiveChat - 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (except English bank holidays).

Live chat

If you need specific medical advice about your condition, your GP or IBD team will be best placed to help.

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