PAtophysiological, Nodal-based Approach for Crohn's Disease Excision

PAtophysiological, Nodal-based Approach for Crohn's Disease Excision: A PILOT Study

Single centre prospective pilot study on surgery for Crohn's disease (CD). CD universally recurs after surgery and no technique so far has been proven to reduce recurrence.

The investigators speculate that a different surgical technique, based on pathophysiology of the disease may prove successful in reducing rates of recurrence.

Consecutive CD patients with a surgical indication for ileocolic disease will receive an extended procedure including a lymphadenectomy (Pathophysiologic excision for Crohn's disease).

Primary outcome will be endoscopic recurrence rates at 6 and 12 months from surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All consecutive patients undergoing surgery for ileocaecal/ileocolic CD in the Minimally Invasive Unit at Policlinico Tor Vergata are eligible to be enrolled.
• Informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Crohn's Disease with a different localisation
• Recurrent disease
• Extensive jejunitis
• <18 years of age
• Cancer as primary indication for surgery
• Followed by gastroenterologists outside our centre, due to loss of follow up
• Ileostomy. If a patient undergoes ileostomy fashioning he will be excluded from the study and this will be reported