Preoperative oral polymeric diet enriched with transforming growth factor-beta 2 (Modulen) could decrease postoperative morbidity after surgery for complicated ileocolonic Crohn's disease

Objective: Exclusive polymeric diet enriched with transforming growth factor-beta 2 (ANS-TGF-beta 2) has been used for remission induction and maintenance in pediatric Crohn's disease (CD). Its use in the preoperative setting has never been evaluated. The aim of this study was to evaluate preoperative ANS-TGF-b2 to decrease postoperative complications after surgery for complicated ileocolonic CD. Methods: From 2011 to 2015, data of all consecutive patients who underwent elective surgery for ileocolonic CD were collected prospectively. Preoperative, exclusive ANS-TGF-b2 was administered in high-risk patients with complicated CD. Complicated CD was defined by the presence of obstructive symptoms, and/or steroid treatment, and/or preoperative weight loss >10% and/or perforating CD. Outcomes of high-risk patients receiving preoperative ANS-TGF-b2 were compared to those of low-risk patients with no complicated CD who underwent upfront surgery. Results: Fifty-six patients underwent surgery for ileocolonic CD. Among them, 35 high-risk patients received preoperative ANS-TGF-b2 and 21 low-risk patients underwent upfront surgery. Preoperative full-dose ANS-TGF-b2 was feasible in 34/35 high-risk patients. Discontinuation of steroids during preoperative ANS-TGF-b2 could be achieved in 10/16 patients (62.5%). Postoperative complications rates were 8/35 (23.8%) and 5/21 (22.9%) in high-risk and low-risk patients, respectively (p = 1). Temporary ileocolostomy rates in high-risk patients and in low-risk patients were 4/35 (11%) and 0/21, respectively (p = 0.286) Conclusion: Preoperative ANS-TGF-b2 is feasible in most high-risk patients with complicated ileocolonic CD and could limit the deleterious effects of risk factors of postoperative morbidity. These results need to be confirmed in a large randomized controlled trial.