| [ Summary ] |
Crohn's disease (CD) patients frequently require surgery for intestinal complications arising from their disease, such as fistulas, strictures, abscesses or perforations. The majority of CD patients will develop postoperative recurrence soon after surgery and require subsequent surgery. It is very important to prevent postoperative recurrence with medications to minimize the likelihood of disabling CD outcomes. A small percentage of CD patients do not develop postoperative recurrence. However, most do and particular medications very in their efficacy for postoperative CD prevention. Therefore, it is necessary to identify patients who are most likely to benefit from prophylactic medications and which medications are most effective for the maintenance of postoperative CD remission. Those issues are outlined. |