Maintenance strategies in Crohn's disease.

Sooner or later, most patients require surgery, yet almost all experience a postoperative recurrence. Today, there is a new emphasis on medical prophylaxis. Available evidence indicates that 5-aminosalicylic acid is beneficial in this role, although high dosage is needed. The best strategy is to tailor treatment to the clinical pattern; for example, surgery is advised for repeated bouts of fibrostenosis and medication for inflammatory disease.