[Reoperation in Crohn's disease]

In 1967-1992 at the surgical clinic in Plzen 101 patients were operated with histologically confirmed Crohn's disease. A total of 32 urgent operations were performed. Due to the possibility to provide complete parenteral nutrition from this number during the past 6 years only three patients were operated. During the next and subsequent period 70 patients were reoperated. Relapses occurred most frequently four years after the first operation. As to the extent of resection, the authors agree with the view that 20 cm from the macroscopic borderline of the affection are sufficient without special regard to lymph nodes. Nevertheless it is important to keep in mind that Crohn's disease is a systemic disease and even by radical removal of the affected part this disease cannot be cured by surgery.