Colorectal disease : the official journal of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland
Cure8 research brief
Why This Matters
This review directly compares surgery-first versus biologic-first strategies for localized ileocaecal Crohn's disease and suggests early resection can lower later treatment needs and leave some patients off medication, which is relevant to treatment decisions.
Who Should Pay Attention
Adults with localized ileocaecal Crohn's disease (especially biologic‑naïve), surgeons and gastroenterologists managing Crohn's disease, and researchers studying comparative effectiveness of surgery versus biologic therapy.
Study Snapshot
Story typeResearch paper
Evidence typeSystematic review
Source depthJournal abstract
What To Know
This is a systematic review and meta-analysis of limited evidence (one RCT and two observational cohorts) comparing a surgery-first strategy to biologics-first treatment in biologic‑naïve patients with localized ileocaecal Crohn's disease. The biologic treatments reported were mainly infliximab and adalimumab.
Pooled results suggested fewer additional surgeries after early resection and that many patients in the resection group were medication‑free at follow-up, while patients started on biologics generally required ongoing therapy or surgery.
Interpretation and next steps The authors note low to very low certainty of evidence by GRADE and advise cautious interpretation. Decisions about early surgery versus medical therapy remain individualized; the evidence here supports surgery as a reasonable option for some patients but is not definitive.
Patients and clinicians should discuss risks, recovery, long‑term outcomes, and patient preferences when considering approaches.
Keep In Mind
The review pooled one randomized trial and two cohort studies; the authors rated the overall certainty of evidence low to very low (GRADE). Findings reflect limited data and should not be taken as definitive treatment guidance.
Source Details
Review the original publication for the complete reporting, methods, and context.
Systematic review
Evidence type derived from source or registry metadata.
PublicationColorectal disease : the official journal of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland
AuthorsSara Bravin, Ana L R S Menegat, Brenda L R S Menegat +2 more
InstitutionIndependent Researcher, Catanzaro, Italy.
Study typeJournal article, systematic review, meta Analysis, comparative study, review
Indexed viaPubMed
Source typeResearch paper
PublishedSep 1, 2026, 12:00 AM
Content availableJournal abstract
This Cure8 brief is based on source text from the linked article. Cure8 is informational only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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