Some recurrences affect only an inch or two of the intestine. Others may extend for many feet up and down the intestinal tract. But once a recurrence has taken place, it usually does not spread to other sections of the bowel, if no further surgery is performed. There is also a tendency of the recurrent disease to mimic the pattern of the disease before surgery. Another general characteristic of recurrent Crohn's disease after surgery is that it often proves more responsive to medical therapy than did the original disease.
Nothing is guaranteed.
Neither meticulous surgical technique, radical resections, strict diets nor preventive medications after surgery have been found to influence the rates of postoperative recurrence. No one should have any operation if it is not necessary. The period of remission following surgery, whether it is one year or 20 years, should be viewed as an opportunity to get on with life. The primary object of treating Crohn's disease is to feel well, to function, and to enjoy life. If surgery can help achieve these goals, then it should be faced without excessive or paralyzing anxiety about the question of recurrence.