To the authors knowledge, we report here the first case of laparoscopic ileocolic resection for perforated CD during pregnancy. The incidence of CD in United States is approximately 8 cases per 100,000 persons. Transmural intestinal inflammation is the hallmark of the disease and can lead to fistula and stricture formation. The terminal ileum is most commonly affected. Medical management of CD is pursued as long as possible, as repeated small bowel resections may lead to short gut syndrome. Surgery is reserved for intractable symptoms, bowel obstruction, and perforation with abscess formation or fecal peritonitis. Laparoscopic ileocolic resection for CD has been shown to result in fewer complications and shorter length of stay than the open approach and is the first-line option at our institution. Given a slight female predominance and a peak incidence in the third decade, many patients with CD are women of childbearing age. Maternal CD is associated with adverse outcomes in pregnancy, including an increased risk of preterm birth and Caesarean section.
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