Pre-operative management is associated with low rate of post-operative morbidity in penetrating Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND

Ileocaecal resection for penetrating Crohn's disease is still challenging with a high rate of post-operative morbidity and faecal diversion.

AIM

To report retrospectively the results of pre-operative management for penetrating Crohn's disease focusing on the rate of post-operative major morbidities and need for faecal diversion.

METHODS

Between 1997 and 2007, 78 patients with penetrating Crohn's disease underwent a first ileocaecal resection after a pre-operative management consisting in bowel rest, nutritional therapy, intravenous antibiotics, weaning off steroids and immunosuppressors, and drainage of abscesses when appropriate.

RESULTS

Resection was performed for terminal ileitis associated with (n = 41), abscesses (n = 37) or both (n = 5). A pre-operative nutritional therapy was performed in 50 patients (68%) for 23 days (range, 7-69 days) along with a weaning off steroids and immunosuppressors. A diverting stoma was performed for six patients (7.7%). There was no post-operative death. Post-operative complications were classified as minor in 10 patients (12.8%), and major in four patients (5%). Overall, the post-operative course was uneventful in 58 patients (74%).

CONCLUSION

Pre-operative management for penetrating Crohn's disease allowed ileocaecal resection with low rates of post-operative morbidity and faecal diversion.