Postoperative recurrence of Crohn's disease: Pathophysiology and prevention

Postoperative recurrence of Crohn's disease is often inevitable. Certain ri sk factors such as smoking, young age, and a perforating disease behavior h ave been identified. Patients running an enhanced risk should be treated wi th mesalamine or, with higher success rates, with azathioprine. An endoscop ic evaluation of the neoterminal ileum 6 to 12 months after surgery provide s relevant information predicting the further clinical course and can be us ed as a guide to adjust medical therapy.