Inflammatory Bowel Disease Surgery Specialist In Bozeman, Montana
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Montana Colon
Michael Zehnpfennig, M.D.
Colorectal Surgery located in Bozeman, MT
Inflammatory bowel disease includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, two chronic conditions that can cause pain, bleeding, diarrhea, obstruction, fistulas, malnutrition, and major disruption to daily life.
Michael Zehnpfennig, MD, is a fellowship-trained colon and rectal surgeon in Bozeman, Montana, who provides advanced surgical care for inflammatory bowel disease in close collaboration with gastroenterologists. Surgical consultation is appropriate when complications develop, medical treatment is no longer providing adequate control, or operative planning may help guide long-term care.
Referring gastroenterologists may contact the office directly to arrange consultation or coordinate treatment.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Surgery Q&A
What is inflammatory bowel disease?
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, refers primarily to Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract and may cause strictures, obstruction, abscesses, fistulas, or inflammation around the anus.
Ulcerative colitis affects the colon and rectum and may cause bloody diarrhea, urgency, abdominal pain, anemia, dysplasia, or colorectal cancer.
How is inflammatory bowel disease treated?
Gastroenterologists direct medical therapy, endoscopic surveillance, and long-term disease management. Treatment may include biologic medications, small-molecule therapies, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, nutritional support, and other medications designed to control inflammation.
Dr. Zehnpfennig works with gastroenterology colleagues when surgical judgment may improve the treatment plan. Early consultation does not mean surgery is inevitable. It allows the care team to review imaging, evaluate complications, optimize medications and nutrition, and select the safest timing if an operation becomes necessary.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery may be recommended for obstruction, stricture, abscess, fistula, perforation, uncontrolled bleeding, severe symptoms despite medical treatment, medication complications, dysplasia, cancer, or major impairment in quality of life.
The goals of surgery differ between the two diseases. Surgery treats complications of Crohn’s disease but does not cure the underlying condition. Removing the colon and rectum can eliminate ulcerative colitis.
What surgical care does Dr. Zehnpfennig provide?
Dr. Zehnpfennig performs advanced robotic and laparoscopic surgery for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. His approach emphasizes bowel preservation when appropriate, minimally invasive surgery, careful operative planning, and enhanced recovery.
Treatment is individualized and coordinated with the patient’s gastroenterologist before and after surgery.
Learn more
For detailed information about specific conditions and operations, visit:
Ulcerative Colitis Surgery
Referring clinicians may contact the office directly to arrange consultation or discuss surgical planning.
