Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis are chronic inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. Both present similar symptoms of stomach cramping, recurring or bloody diarrhoea, weight loss, and fatigue, but the pathophysiology of the diseases is different. Crohn’s can occur in any part of the GI tract and affects all layers of the bowel wall, whereas ulcerative colitis only affects the inner lining of the colon. At this current time there is no cure for these diseases, and they are initially managed through drug therapy using medications such as amino-salicylates and immunosuppressant’s, but if this is not enough to relieve symptoms, then surgery (a colostomy or ileostomy) may be required. In the UK it’s estimated that 20% of ulcerative colitis, and 65% of crohn’s suffers will require surgery.