Predictors of early recurrence after strictureplasty for Crohn's disease of the small bowel during the years of biologics

Dig Liver Dis. 2019 May;51(5):663-668. doi: 10.1016/j.dld.2018.11.027. Epub 2018 Dec 8.

Abstract

Background: The identification of patients prone to early recurrence of Crohn's disease at the site of a strictureplasty is fundamental in the clinical practice.

Aims: Aim of the study is to detect the risk factors for early reoperation for recurrence after primary strictureplasty.

Methods: From 2000, patients undergoing a primary strictureplasty and a subsequent reoperation for recurrence of Crohn's disease at the site of a strictureplasty were included. Univariate and multivariable linear regression models were performed to analyse the relationship between the time to recurrence and independent variables.

Results: Fifty-nine patients were included. Median time to recurrence was 4.5 years (0.7-12.6). At the multivariate linear regression, early relapse was significantly associated with use of biologics before primary surgery (-2.69, p < 0.0001) and location of disease in the ileum (-1.61, p 0.017). The use of biologics after surgery was similar between groups (40.7 vs 37.5%, p 0.79).

Conclusions: The location of Crohn's disease in the ileum and the use of biologics before surgery are strong predictors of early site-specific recurrence after strictureplasty. In this group of patients, a tailored follow-up and aggressive postoperative treatment should be considered.

Keywords: Crohn’s disease; Nonconventional; Recurrence; Strictureplasty; Timing.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Biological Products / therapeutic use*
  • Crohn Disease / therapy*
  • Digestive System Surgical Procedures*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ileum / surgery
  • Italy
  • Linear Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Recurrence
  • Reoperation
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Time Factors
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Biological Products