Abstract Background Although immunomodulators play a crucial role in the treatment of Crohn's disease, robust evidence regarding the impact of early use of immunomodulators on its outcomes is still limited. Methods We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the COCHRANE library to identify articles analyzing clinical outcomes according to the timing of immunomodulator administration in Crohn's disease. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model to pool estimates and report hazard ratios [HRs]. Types of immunomodulators include thiopurines or methotrexate. Results A total of 7 studies were identified as eligible for the meta-analysis. Early immunomodulator administration within 1 to 3 years after diagnosis was associated with a lower risk of bowel resection surgery (HRs 0.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.45-0.71), but it was not associated with a lower risk of perianal surgery (HRs 0.62, 95% CI 0.27 - 1.39). In subgroup analyses, early immunomodulators were effective in lowering the risk of intestinal resection in both adults and the young population. Conclusion Early administration of immunomodulators in Crohn's patients is associated with a lower risk of bowel resection surgery. This finding suggests that when immunomodulators are administered within an optimal therapeutic window, they possess the potential to alter the disease course in Crohn's patients.