Tomorrow my mom is going into surgery to have some of her intestines removed. She has to have 3 inches of small intestine removed, plus some of the large intestine. There is nothing wrong with the large intestine, but the doctor recommended it, I can't remember why. I'm cannot remember the exact reason she is having this surgery but I know it is because of her Crohn's Disease. How risky is this surgery? Is it life threatening? And what are her risks during recovery? Someone told me if the stitches inside of her pop, she could die. Is that true? Thanks :)

Hun, any surgery that includes general anesthesia (putting the patient to sleep) is risky. Any surgery is life threatening. However, the risks are lower this day in age.

What you need to do is talk to her doctor prior to the surgery to get all of your questions answered. There are many risks during recovery, but a lot depend on her health prior to the surgery, such as is she a smoker, is she overweight, etc.

If the stitches inside her pop, it can be very dangerous and life threatening, but that rarely happens.

I'd be more concerned without the surgery!

Oh trust me, I am concerned :) I've never had anyone in my family have surgery like this, that's why I'm asking all those questions

Oh trust me, I am concerned :) I've never had anyone in my family have surgery like this, thats why i'm asking all those questions

No worries-I understand. Trust me surgery for this is better than if it is left as is!

Oh I know. I've just heard of people dying on the operating table and stuff like that. It scares me! :)

Oh, sweetie, I wouldn't worry about that. Heck I've had 17 surgeries now and I'm still kicking!!

As X says, I would be more concerned without the surgery. This sort of surgery is very common with Crohn's.