Results of bowel resection for Crohn's disease in the young

Thirty patients (21 boys and 9 girls) underwent bowel resections for Crohn's disease from 1965 to 1979. They ranged in age from 6 to 18 yr. The follow-up period varied from 3 mo to 14 yr. There were no deaths. Seventeen developed clinical or radiologic evidence of recurrent Crohn's disease. Seven of these required reoperation and six are now well without sign of further recurrence. Eleven of 18 achieved catch-up growth in weight; 10 of 15 achieved catch-up growth in height. At the time of follow-up four had active disease, seven had evidence of recurrence but were generally well, and 19 were well without any evidence of recurrence.