[Emergency surgery in Crohn disease]

Haemorrhage, perforation, ileus, toxic megacolon, and intra-abdominal abscesses are acute manifestations of Crohn's disease. These complications are absolute indications for surgery. Intestinal resection should be performed with great caution. Abscesses are relieved by puncture and, secondarily in most cases, by surgical repair. Subtotal colectomy is the way to cope with toxic megacolon.