BACKGROUND: There is ongoing debate regarding the benefits of extended mesenteric excision (EME) versus limited mesenteric excision (LME) in intestinal resection for Crohn's disease (CD). Some studies suggest that EME may reduce surgical recurrence, which is defined as the need for reoperation due to disease complications or insufficient response to therapy, when compared with LME. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to compare postoperative complications, surgical recurrence, and endoscopic recurrence in patients undergoing EME versus LME for CD. METHODS: MEDLINE, Cochrane, the Central Register of Clinical Trials, Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched for studies published through April 2024. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed with Cochran's Q test and I(2) statistics, with p-values < 0.10 and I(2) > 25% considered significant. Statistical analyses were performed using R software, version 4.4.1. RESULTS: One randomized controlled trial (RCT) and five observational studies were included, totaling 4498 patients, of whom 1059 (23.5%) underwent EME and 3439 (76.5%) LME. EME was associated with a lower surgical recurrence rate (5% versus 15%; OR 0.31; 95% CI 0.12-0.84; p = 0.021; I(2) = 47%). No significant differences were observed between EME and LME for overall complications, Clavien-Dindo >/= 3 events, bleeding requiring transfusion, anastomotic leaks, intraabdominal abscesses, surgical site infections (SSIs), reoperations, readmissions, ileus, endoscopic recurrences, operative times, or hospital stays. CONCLUSIONS: EME was associated with a significant reduction in surgical recurrence compared with LME, without differences in endoscopic recurrence or postoperative complication rates.