Crohn's disease

Here you'll find our current definition of the critical illness, additional condition or child specific condition we cover. We've also listed any previous definitions we may have had. With each new definition we've highlighted what's changed from the previous definition.

Current definition

December 2023

The separate definition of Crohn's disease was removed in December 2023 as this condition is now included under the new definition: Severe bowel disease.

Change from the previous definition

This definition has been removed.

Previous definitions

Crohn's disease - treated with two intestinal resections or total colectomy

A definite diagnosis by a consultant gastroenterologist of Crohn's disease, resulting in

  • the undergoing of either:
    • surgical intestinal resection to remove part of the small intestine or bowel on at least two separate occasions; or
    • total colectomy (removal of entire large bowel); or
  • inclusion on the NHS waiting list for:
    • a second or subsequent surgical intestinal resection to remove part of the small intestine or bowel; or
    • total colectomy (removal of entire large bowel).