The Management of Postoperative Recurrence in Crohn’s Disease

Abstract

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with different phenotypes of presentation, inflammatory, penetrating, or stricturing disease, that significantly impacts patient well-being and quality of life. Despite advances in medical therapy, surgery sometimes represents the only treatment to address complications, such as strictures, fistulas, or abscesses. Minimizing postoperative recurrence (POR) remains a major challenge for both clinicians and patients; consequently, various therapeutic strategies have been developed to prevent or delay POR. The current review outlines an updated overview of POR management. We focused on diagnostic assessment, which included endoscopic examination, biochemical analyses, and cross-sectional imaging techniques, all crucial tools used to accurately diagnose this condition. Additionally, we delved into the associated risk factors contributing to POR development. Furthermore, we examined recent advances in the prophylaxis and treatment of POR in CD.