Osteopathic Findings and Treatment of Patient with Crohn’s Disease and Post-Ileocecal Resection: A Case Report

Abstract

Crohn’s disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that chronically damages the lining of the digestive tract. The symptoms of Crohn’s disease can vary secondary to its severity, ranging from asymptomatic patients to those suffering from constant abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood loss, and fatigue. Patients with Crohn’s disease endure a decreased quality of life depending on the extent of their symptoms. Crohn’s disease can be differentiated from other forms of IBD by its location in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and distinct gross and microscopic morphology. This disease can affect any portion of the GI tract, but most commonly affects the terminal ileum and colon. The affected portion exhibits transmural inflammation, where all layers of the bowel are damaged, leading to strictures and fistulas. In this case of a patient with fistulizing fibro-stenotic Crohn’s disease, ileocecal resection was required. 1-week post-surgery, the patient suffered from continuous pain and discomfort with sympathetic nervous system overactivity. The somatic dysfunctions diagnosed on osteopathic structural examination were addressed with osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) and directed to restore the functionality of her sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The patient’s symptoms were found to have improved after the application of OMT. The results of this case study suggest that treating post-surgery patients using osteopathic techniques, specifically following ileocecal resection, can improve their post-op symptoms and reduce the need for post operative oral pain medications. Patient’s consent for this case report was obtained in written and verbal form.