Medical treatment of intestinal Crohn's disease

Crohns disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory condition that can affect any portion of the intestinal tract. The disease presents with myriad symptoms and signs and is best diagnosed and staged through a combination of laboratory tests, endoscopic procedures, and radiographic studies. Appropriate medical therapy is based upon the disease behavior, location, and severity and may require use of one or more classes of medications in an attempt to achieve endoscopic remission as well as histologic normalization. Several clinical scenarios require special consideration and it is important for the gastroenterologist to work with the patient, surgeon, and other healthcare providers to achieve optimal outcomes.