CROHNS-DISEASE OF THE APPENDIX

Crohn's disease of the appendix is an uncommon process that is more fr ecuent in young people. The most common preoperative diagnosis is acut e appendicitis. At exploratory laparotomy the appendix is enlarged and malignancy may be suspected. The differential diagnosis may be diffic ult. Serologic tests and cultures should be performed to exclude Yersi nia infections. Appendicectomy is a safe procedure when the disease is limited to the appendix. The postoperative course is usually uncompli cated with a low rate of complications and recurrence. Although it may be a different process than Crohn's disease and the recurrence rate i s low, it is suggested that all the patients should be followed-up so that recurrences may be recognized and treated as early as possible. A new case is presented after two years of follow-up without recurrence .