Scand J Gastroenterol  1985 May;20(4):516-24 

Crohn's disease. A long-term study of the clinical course in 186 patients.

Krause U, Ejerblad S, Bergman L.

A series of 186 patients treated for Crohn's disease during the period 1956 to

1968 has been followed up in 1970, 1975, and now in 1983. Among 173 patients

operated on there were 89 recurrences (52%). After a follow-up time greater than

14 years (mean, 18 years) 'radical' resections at the first operation gave a

lower recurrence rate (31%), fewer reoperations, and a better quality of life

compared with non-'radical' resections (recurrence rate, 83%). The quality of

life estimated for all patients alive in 1983, 152 patients, was good in 89%;

8.6% had moderate subjective symptoms, and 2.6% had pronounced subjective

symptoms. With an increasing follow-up time there was no decrease in the

patients' quality of life. Ileorectal anastomosis did not give very good

results; proctocolectomy and ileostomy, however, gave good results. Regular

investigation of all patients is of vital importance to give them a good quality

of life.