To assess the rate of recurrence of Crohn's enterocolitis, 118 patients with Crohn's disease of the small intestine, the small and large intestine, or only the large intestine who had surgery were assessed. Of 53 patients with disease confined to the small intestine, 25 had recurrence, while 19 of 37 patients with disease of the small and large intestine had recurrence. Of 16 patients with Crohn's disease of the colon who had limited reaction, 11 had recurrence. None of the 28 patients with Crohn's disease of the colon or rectum, followed up for 5 years, had recurrence in the small intestine. This study demonstrates that (1) limited resection for Crohn's disease of the colon leads to a significant recurrence rate, and (2) in patients with Crohn's disease localized to the colon, follow-up for at least 5 years revealed no recurrence in the small intestine.