Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that can cause chronic inflammation of any portion of the entire gastrointestinal tract. The area at the distal end of the small intestine and proximal end of the large intestine is most commonly affected. Patients usually complain of cramping abdominal pain, malaise, fevers, chills and diarrhea which is usually not bloody. This disease entity is known to cause multiple bowel maladies including: bowel obstructions from bowel wall thickening that causes the bowel lumen to narrow, localized abscess collections and abnormal connections (tracts) between adjacent portions of bowel called fistulae. New medical treatment modalities usually help keep this disease process at bay. When significant infections or complications do occur, surgical intervention may be necessary to help control the diseased portion of bowel. Dr. Ambe works closely with the gastroenterologist to ensure optimal timing and the decision to proceed with surgical intervention.