Outcome of Operation in Crohn's Disease in Children

소아 크론병의 수술적 치료

The purpose of this study is to review the operative management and outcome of operation for Crohn's disease. The medical records of 17 patients who underwent operations for Crohn's disease at Seoul National University Children's Hospital from January of 1988 to June of 2005 were reviewed. The male-to -female ratio was 1.8: 1. The median age at the onset of symptoms and the time of diagnosis was 9 years 6 months and 11 years 6 months respectively. The median time interval from diagnosis to operation was 2 years and 1 month (0 month~8 years). The ileocolic or ileocecal region was the most common site of involvement. The indications for operation were intractable symptoms (8 cases) and obstruction or stricture (7 cases). The median postoperative hospitalized days were 14.4 days (8~35 days). Five patients (29 %) experienced postoperative complications. Symptom free state or symptom relief was observed in 11 cases after surgery and 6 cases had intermittent episodes of remissions and recurrences. In pediatric Crohn's disease patients who present with intractable symptoms despite medical treatment or develop surgical complications, symptom free state or symptom relief can be achieved by minimal resection of the diseased segment.