Recurrent small bowel Crohn's disease is more frequent after subtotal colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis than proctocolectomy.

The cumulative probability of reoperation for recurrent ileal Crohn's disease at five years was: 17 percent following ileocecal resection, 19 percent following proctocolectomy, and 28 percent after ileorectal anastomosis. At ten years, the rate of ileal recurrence was significantly less after proctocolectomy; 24 percent as compared with 43 percent for ileorectal anastomosis (P less than 0.01), whereas ileocecal resection assumed an intermediary position with 35 percent.