Open AccessPostoperative recurrence of Crohn's disease: Pathophysiology and prevention
Author(s) -
D'Haens Geert,
Rutgeerts Paul
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
inflammatory bowel diseases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.932
H-Index - 146
eISSN - 1536-4844
pISSN - 1078-0998
DOI - 10.1002/ibd.3780050411
Subject(s) - medicine , crohn's disease , azathioprine , disease , ileum , pathophysiology , medical therapy , gastroenterology , surgery
Postoperative recurrence of Crohn's disease is often inevitable. Certain risk factors such as smoking, young age, and a perforating disease behavior have been identified. Patients running an enhanced risk should be treated with mesalamine or, with higher success rates, with azathioprine. An endoscopic evaluation of the neoterminal ileum 6 to 12 months after surgery provides relevant information predicting the further clinical course and can be used as a guide to adjust medical therapy.