Decision-making in ileocecal Crohn's disease management: surgery versus pharmacotherapy. (April 2010)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Eshuis, Emma J; Stokkers, Pieter CF; Bemelman, Willem A
• Is Part Of: Expert review of gastroenterology & hepatology. Volume 4:Number 2(2010)
• Page Start: 181
• Page End: 189
• Publication Date: 2010-04
• Subjects: biologic therapy -- clinical remission -- Crohn's disease -- decision-making -- ileocecal disease activity -- ileocolic resection; Gastroenterology -- Periodicals; Liver -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.3
• DOI: 10.1586/egh.10.3
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1747-4124

Abstract

Ileocecal Crohn's disease (CD) can be treated medically as well as surgically. Both treatment modalities have been improved markedly in the last two decades, making CD more manageable. However, multidisciplinary research, addressing issues such as timing of surgery or medical treatment versus surgery, is scarce. Particularly in limited ileocecal CD, ileocolic resection might be a good alternative to long-term medical therapy. This review discusses the evidence on medical and surgical treatment options for ileocecal CD. It provides an aid in decision-making by discussing a treatment algorithm that can be used until further evidence on treatment is available.