Free perforation in Crohn's disease.

Free perforation is a rare complication of Crohn's disease. Seven cases were found in a total series of 360 in Birmingham. It occurs during an acute exacerbation of chronic disease, particularly in the presence of distal obstruction. The incidence of this complication may becoming less common and steroid therapy was not a precipitating factor. Primary resection of the perforated and distal obstructed bowel is likely to give the best results.