BOWEL-PRESERVING SURGERY FOR CROHNS-DISEA SE - RESULTS OF MINIMAL RESECTION AND TREATMENT OF OBSTRUCTIONS

In order to evaluate functional results and outcome of ''limited surge ry'' in Crohn's disease we reviewed the data of 161 operations perform ed in 65 patients. In our series most of the patients had repeated ope rations. Nevertheless we saw no short bowel syndrome, no death occurre d. Correlation was high between number of operations and length of res ected bowel (r = 0. 8) whereas no correlation was found between resect ed bowel and duration of disease nor between duration and number of op erations. In conclusion strictly admitted principles of limited surger y seem to preserve good functional results. Risk of complications or s hort bowel syndrome seems not to be increased.