Initial operative treatment of isolated ileal Crohn's disease in adolescents

Background: We hypothesize that in children with Crohn's disease (CD) isolated to a single site, resection leads to clinical improvement, decreased medication requirements, and improved growth.

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of children with CD isolated to the terminal ileum undergoing operative intervention at Children's Hospital Colorado between 2002 and 2013.

Results: Twenty-six patients underwent ileocecetomy (mean age at diagnosis 14.1 ± 2.6 years; mean age at resection 15.7 ± 2.5 years; median follow-up 2 ± 1.5 years). Twenty-two (84.6%) patients reported clinical improvement and 17 (65.4%) were able to decrease the number or dosage of medications. Average weight increased from the 29th to the 45th percentile (P = .09) at 1 year and to the 56th percentile (P = .02) at 3 years post resection. Average body mass index increased from the 30th to the 48th and 49th percentile at 1 and 3 years (P < .05 for both), respectively. Height increased from the 39th percentile at the time of resection to the 51st percentile at 3 years (P = nonsignificant).

Conclusion: Surgical resection of an isolated ileal segment in adolescents with CD allows for catch-up growth and reduction in medication requirements.