The question of recurrence is, therefore, an important and troubling one. However, it is important to keep in mind that not all recurrent Crohn's disease is severe enough to require another operation. All cases of Crohn's disease are not the same, nor are all operations alike.
Different factors determine postoperative recurrence rates.
A key factor is the location of the disease. This, in turn, influences the choice of operative procedure. Neither operation offers any guarantee against postoperative disease recurrence, but most studies suggest that the recurrence rates are only about one-third as great after ileostomy as after reanastomosis. Most people, however, still prefer to preserve intestinal continuity and to avoid ileostomy, even when they know that they risk a higher rate of recurrence. In some instances, surgery becomes necessary only after many years of disease, usually as a result of progressive scarring leading to repeated episodes of partial blockages.