Postoperative Management of Crohn Disease

Crohn disease often recurs after surgical resection. Despite extensive research in the prevention of postoperative Crohn disease, optimal management strategies have yet to be defined. Risk of disease recurrence needs to be carefully balanced against potential risks associated with treatment. Patients with low risk of postoperative recurrence may not require medication, whereas those at moderate risk may benefit from antibiotics or immunomodulators. Those at highest risk of recurrence may benefit from biologic therapy for maintenance of surgical remission. Postoperative colonoscopy within 1 year of resective surgery is important for identification of disease recurrence and modification of medications.