Crohn's disease is a chronic illness of the small intestine. While it usually occurs in the small intestine, Crohn's can affect any part of your intestinal tract from your mouth all the way to your anus.

If your doctor thinks you may have Crohn's disease, he or she will refer you to a gastroenterologist for a thorough evaluation to make the diagnosis.

There is no cure for Crohn's disease. Sometimes surgery is required to treat problems associated with the condition.

Treatment choices depend upon where the disease is located and how severe it is. They also depend on the complications associated with the disease and the way the person has responded in the past to treatment when symptoms recurred.

When surgery is necessary for Crohn's disease it can often be performed laparoscopically or through a single incision near your belly-button.