[Complications of Crohn's disease and their surgical treatment]

Crohn's disease is characterised by its unknown etiology and pathogenesis, its many complications and its extraordinary disposition of recurrence. The perforation of the small intestine, or of the colon, obstruction and massive bleeding are severe complications, requiring immediate surgical attention. Frequently specific formation of fistulae is indicative of the first sign of the disease. A radical operative treatment--by present results (approximately 70% of cases)--is the method of choice. The tendency to extend surgical procedures to the chronic stage of the disease has been discussed in recent years. Complications observed in patients under study have also been analysed.