Emergency operations for Crohn's disease.

Seventeen patients with Crohn's disease requiring emergency operative procedures disclosed important factors leading to successful outcome. In seven of the ten patients not known to have Crohn's disease, the history strongly suggested this diagnosis. Two patients died; three others had major complications, including two anastomotic leaks and two postoperative intraperitoneal abscesses. Wide drainage of abscesses, preservation of intestinal absorptive surface, avoidance of anastomoses in the presence of acute infection, and vigorous supportive nutrition are important features of the management of patients requiring emergency operation for complications of regional enteritis.