Free perforation of the small bowel in Crohn's disease.

A rare case of free double ileal perforation in previously asymptomatic and undiagnosed Crohn's disease of the terminal ileum is described. At operation, a primary resection and anastomosis of the diseased bowel was performed. The management of free perforation in Crohn's disease is discussed, together with a review of the literature. It is suggested that the absence of steroids in a previously undiagnosed case may favour primary resection and anastomosis.