Crohn's disease. Results of excisional surgery in 133 patients

Of a series of 133 patients treated surgically for Crohn's disease during the years 1962-78, 21 had recurrence after previous operations in other hospitals. In addition, 40 of the patients underwent altogether 52 reoperations for recurrent disease; hence the total number of operations was 185. Five patients died in the postoperative period (2.7%). There were five late deaths related to Crohn's disease. The annual recurrence rate after all operations performed was rather constant, averaging 13.1%, and the cumulative recurrence rate after 10 years was 76.1%. The annual rate of reoperation tended to decline, with a cumulative reoperation rate of 35.8% after 10 years. The recurrence rate was not significantly different after primary operations and operations for recurrent disease. There was a higher risk of relapse during the first 2 years after non-radical excision of diseased gut than after radical excision. At follow-up examination in 108 patients most were in good general condition. Only eight patients had severe, disabling symptoms with reduced working capacity.