This webinar will explore the acute management of surgical inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) emergencies, with a focus on acute severe ulcerative colitis, obstructing Crohn’s disease and complex perianal Crohn’s. Through case-based discussion, with both surgical and gastroenterology input, we will cover guideline-based initial medical therapy, recognition of key clinical and radiological red flags, timely consideration of surgery, and operative strategies.
Aims
- To provide an evidence-based overview of the acute management of IBD emergencies, focusing on ASUC, obstructing Crohn’s disease and peri-anal Crohn’s disease.
- To highlight the importance of early multidisciplinary involvement (gastroenterology, surgery, radiology, nutrition) and clear pathways for escalation of care.
- To improve confidence in recognising complications that require urgent surgical input (e.g. toxic megacolon, perforation, high-grade obstruction, complex perianal sepsis).
- To discuss practical surgical decision-making, including timing of surgery, choice of operative strategy (open vs minimally invasive, strictureplasty, diversion) and planning for future restorative options.
- Learning Objectives
- By the end of this webinar, attendees should be able to:
- Recognise and initiate guideline-based early medical management for acute severe ulcerative colitis and obstructing Crohn’s disease.
- Identify key clinical and radiological red flags (e.g. toxic megacolon, perforation, high-grade obstruction, complex perianal sepsis) that mandate urgent surgical assessment.
- Describe the principles of surgical decision-making in IBD emergencies, including timing of intervention, choice between open and minimally invasive approaches, and indications for diversion or staged surgery.
- Understand how to contribute effectively within the MDT to plan peri-operative optimisation, nutritional support, and longer-term strategies including restorative and bowel-preserving procedures.