The dilemma of Crohn's disease: long-term follow-up of Crohn's disease of the small intestine.

Seventy-four patients having primary Crohn's disease of the small intestine have had follow-up studies for at least 10 years after initial resection, and the results of treatment are presented. The commonest indication for operative treatment was obstruction, followed by fistula formation, intractability, abscess formation, and free perforation. Disease recurred in 69 per cent of patients in this series, and 55 per cent of this group required fruther operative treatment. It is necessary to have a lengthy follow-up period if we are to appreciate fully the serious nature of the recurrence problems of Crohn's disease of the small intestine.