CASE REPORT: Adenocarcinoma arising in a Crohn's stricture of the jejunum

Patients with Crohn's disease affecting the small intestine appear to have an increased risk of developing adenocarcinoma. However, it remains an uncommon complication of an uncommon disease. The diagnosis is difficult to make both pre- and intra-operatively, and is most commonly made postoperatively on histopathology. Hence, at laparotomy, consideration should be given to performing a frozen section on all small bowel strictures due to Crohn's disease to define the presence of dysplasia or cancer. This will assist the surgeon in deciding whether to perform a stricturoplasty or a resection. (C) 1999 Blackwell Science Asia Pty Ltd.