Li Y, et al. - The density of lymphatic vessels in the mesentery was determined and the predictive value of the mesenteric lymphatic vessel density for postoperative clinical recurrence was evaluated. They analyzed ileocolonic resection specimens from 53 patients with Crohn’s disease and 10 non-inflammatory bowel disease control subjects for histological quantification of lymphatic vessels using immunohistochemistry with the D2-40 antibody. Findings revealed a significant association between increased mesenteric lymphatic vessel density and stricturing behavior, the presence of intestinal granulomas, the presence of creeping fat, and bowel thickness. Increased mesenteric lymphatic vessel density in the proximal margin was also identified to be predictive of early clinical recurrence after surgery in patients with Crohn’s disease.