Postoperative pain management: the challenges of the patient with Crohn's disease.

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the digestive tract that tends to plague its victims with uncontrolled pain, despite numerous pharmacologic interventions. Approximately 70% of affected individuals require surgery during their disease trajectory, and management of both their chronic and acute pain can be a challenge for nurses. The many factors that contribute to these pain management challenges are described, and recommendations for nursing interventions are offered.