A new drug, infliximab (Remicade) has been used in recent years for severe Crohn's disease, particularly when a fistula has formed that does not respond to other treatment. This medication blocks the effect of a chemical called "tumor necrosis factor" that may be responsible for causing inflammation in the intestine.
Surgery is another possible treatment. In general, surgery to remove a section of the bowel is recommended only if a person has bowel obstruction, persistent symptoms despite medical therapy, or a non-healing fistula. Up to 50 percent of people who have Crohn's disease will end up having at least one operation during the course of their disease.
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