Impact of the Crohn's disease digestive damage score (Lémann Index) on the perioperative course in patients with Crohn's disease and ileocolic anastomosis.

Background: Risk factors influencing the high postoperative morbidity in Crohn`s disease are controversially discussed but the role of cumulative structural bowel damage, as assessed by the Crohn's disease digestive damage score (Lémann Index), has been neglected so far. Our aim was evaluating the influence of the Lémann Index on postoperative complications and investigating its suitability for surgical decision making.

Methods: A single-center, retrospective cohort study was conducted including Crohn`s disease patients who underwent ileocolic anastomosis.