PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic role of an elective ileocecal resection in children with active localized Crohn's disease. METHODS: This was a retrospective multicenter study which included five European referral centers which included all children with Crohn's disease who underwent ileocecal surgery from 2000 to 2011 and had a minimum of 12 months follow-up. RESULTS: Altogether 68 patients fulfilled inclusion criteria. Median age at diagnosis was 13.7 years (6.6-17.9 years) and at surgery 15.2 years (8.6-18.5 years). Median duration of postoperative clinical remission was 20 months (3-95 months). Overall 54 patients (79.4%) were in remission one year after surgery and 38 (55.9%) during the total postsurgical follow up (median 30 months; range 12-95 months). Z score height for age significantly improved postoperatively in children who were at the time of surgery younger than 16 years of age (mean difference 0.232 SD; p=0.029). Cox proportional hazard regression model failed to indicate risk factors associated with postsurgical relapse. CONCLUSION: Elective ileocecal resection is a valid treatment option which should be considered in a subset of pediatric patients with localized Crohn's disease with the aim of achieving clinical remission and to improve growth.

Children's Hospital University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland

Children's Hospital Zagreb University of Zagreb School of Medicine Zagreb Croatia

Department of Paediatric Surgery University Hospital Motol Prague Czech Republic

Department of Paediatrics University Hospital Motol Prague Czech Republic

Hvidovre University Hospital Copenhagen Denmark

Ospedale pediatrico Meyer Florence Italy

References provided by Crossref.org

Preventing Recurrence of Crohn's Disease Post-Ileocaecal Surgery in Paediatric Patients: A Therapy Guide Based on Systematic Review of the Evidence