Ileorectal anastomosis for Crohn's disease of the colon.

Sixty-six patients underwent ileorectal anastomasis for Crohn's colitis sparing the rectum between 1957 and 1972. Excellent results were achieved in 26 patients and satisfactory results in 12. Unsatisfactory progress necessitated further surgery in 21 patients. Seven patients with diversionary ileostomies and ileorectal anastomoses never had their ileostomies closed. No anastomotic leaks developed. Five patients died from causes not directly related to the ileorectal anastomosis. These results indicate that ileorectal anastomosis is a safe and useful procedure for selected patients with Crohn's colitis.