Because these medications work well in patients before surgery, it is reasonable to believe that they would also help prevent disease recurrence after surgery. Preliminary studies have suggested that these agents do indeed decrease the risk of Crohn's disease recurrence, and that these medications are even more effective than mesalamine. It is hoped that further studies will help physicians determine the most effective dose of these drugs in the prevention of Crohn's recurrence. Conclusion Patients with Crohn's disease who undergo surgery to remove diseased intestine have a moderate risk of developing recurrent disease. There is an important need for a way to identify patients who may be at increased risk for developing recurrent disease in order to maximize and better direct the use of medications in this setting.
Patients often ask what they can do to minimize the chances of Crohn's coming back after surgery.
Medical therapy can be effective in some cases, but the choice of medications needs to be tailored on an individual basis. Be sure to talk to your physician about the treatment that is right for you.