Segmental versus total colectomy for large bowel Crohn's disease

Abstract

Abstract Reports of the long‐term results of excisional surgery for Crohn's disease restricted to the large intestine have revealed apparently conflicting data. Recurrent enteritis after colectomy and ileotomy varies from 3% to 46%. Variations in patient selection, differences in pathologic criteria and criteria for defining recurrences, and length, completeness, and accuracy of the follow‐up may well explain such differences in the literature. Certainly, the extent of the operative procedure could influence recurrence rates. A retrospective review was undertaken to determine whether segmental colon resection was ever justified in patients with Crohn's disease clinically confined to the colon .