Long-term results after surgical therapy of Crohn's disease

We performed a retrospective analysis in patients after operative therapy of Crohn's disease in our institution. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 81 patients that underwent surgery from 1990-1995 were analysed retrospectively. The follow up period in these patients was 42 months. RESULTS: In 81 patients a total of 88 operations were performed. 56 patients were operated for the first time. The average patient's age was 35 years (range 14-76 years). Crohn's disease was located predominantly in the area of the ileocoecal valve. The most frequent operation was the ileocoecal resection. The prevalent operative indication in patients with small intestine Cohn's disease was the obstruction, in small intestine and colon manifestation the fistula. Complications in the early postoperative course appeared in 14 % of the patients. Postoperative mortality was 1.1 %. In a postoperative observation period of 3.5 years 3 of 57 patients (5 %) had to undergo surgery again, due to recurrence. Altogether 25 of 81 (31 %) patients revealed a recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical therapy of Crohn's disease can be performed safely and provides long-term recurrence and complaint free periods.