Between 1967 and 1991, 130 patients underwent surgery for Crohn's disease at The Royal Newcastle Hospital, New South Wales. There were more patients in recent years, which suggested an increased incidence of the condition (2.1/100 000/per year). The clinical profile and recurrence rate were similar to other studies. However, a greater proportion of patients required surgery for chronic small bowel obstruction and fulminant colitis compared with patients in other countries.