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Treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is often multidimensional, requiring both medical and surgical therapies at different times throughout the course of the disease. Both medical and surgical treatments may be used in the acute setting, during a flare, or in a more elective maintenance role. These treatments should be planned as complementary and synergistic. Gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons should collaborate to create a cohesive treatment plan, arranging the sequence and timing of various treatments. This article reviews the anticipated postoperative recovery after surgical treatment of IBD, possible postoperative complications, and considerations of timing surgery with medical therapy.

Colonoscopy is a common procedure performed for screening, diagnostic, or therapeutic indications; nevertheless, it is an invasive procedure that has associated risks. Complications of colonoscopy can be divided into four main categories: (1) bleeding, (2) postpolypectomy syndrome, (3) perforation, and (4) rarely, solid organ injury. In this review, we discuss strategies to avoid and treat complications of colonoscopy. Diligent biopsy and use of electrocautery and avoiding looping and blind advancement of the colonoscope minimize the risk of these complications. Management of complications ranges from non-operative conservative management, to minimally invasive endoscopic or laparoscopic techniques, to operative exploration.