Prognosis after ileal resection for Crohn's disease

Abstract

The recurrence rate in a series of 62 patients who underwent first resections for Crohn's disease of the ileum was determined by an actuarial method. After 5 years the recurrence rate was 18 per cent, and at 10 years it was 33 per cent. The prognosis was least favourable in young females with short clinical histories. The E.S.R., the length of intestine resected, and the histology of the bowel were of little value in prognosis. Extensive resections should be avoided. Recurrence more than 10 years after resection was not uncommon.