ENDOSCOPIC RECURRENCE AFTER ILEOCAECAL RESECTION FOR CROHN´S DISEASE RELATING TO MICROSCOPIC INFLAMMATION AT RESECTION MARGINS

Abstract

Aims An early postoperative endoscopic recurrence of Crohn´s disease after ileocaecal resection remains unclear concerning its pathogenesis and risk factors. In our study, we evaluated the influence of histological inflammation at the resection margins on endoscopic recurrence. Methods Patients with CD who underwent ileocaecal resection have been prospectively followed up in our study. The specimens were histologically analysed for inflammation at both of the resection margins (ileal and colonic). We evaluated whether histological results of the resection margins are correlated with endoscopic recurrence of CD based on colonoscopy 6 months after ileocaecal resection. Results We have included 107 patients in our study. Six months after ileocaecal resection, 23 patients (21.5 %) had an endoscopic recurrence of CD. The histological signs of CD at the resection margins were associated with a higher endoscopic recurrence (56.5 % versus 4.8 %, p < 0.001). Conclusions Microscopic inflammation at the resection margins was significantly associated with a higher risk of early postoperative endoscopic recurrence after an ileocaecal resection for CD.