PURPOSE: The laparoscopic approach to Crohn's disease has demonstrated benefits in several small series. We sought to examine its use and outcomes on a national level. METHODS: All admissions with a diagnosis of Crohn's disease requiring bowel resection were selected from the 2000-2004 Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Regression analyses were used to compare outcome measures and identify independent predictors of undergoing laparoscopy. RESULTS: Of 396,911 patients admitted for Crohn's disease, 49,609 (12%) required surgical treatment. They were predominately Caucasian (64%), female (54%), and with ileocolic disease (72%). Most had private insurance (71%) and had surgery in urban hospitals (91%). Laparoscopic resection was performed in 2,826 cases (6%) and was associated with lower complications (8% vs. 16%), shorter length of stay (6 vs. 9 days), lower charges ($27,575 vs. $38,713), and mortality (0.2% vs. 0.9%, all P < 0.01). Open surgery was used more often for fistulas (8% vs. 1%) and when ostomies were required (12% vs. 7%). Independent predictors of laparoscopic resection were age <35 [odds ratio (OR) = 2.4], female gender (OR = 1.4), admission to a teaching hospital (OR = 1.2), ileocecal location (OR = 1.5), and lower disease stage (OR = 1.1, all P < 0.05). Ethnic category, insurance status, and type of admission (elective vs. non-elective) were not associated with operative method (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A variety of patient- and system-related factors influence the utilization of laparoscopy in Crohn's disease. Laparoscopic resection is associated with excellent short-term outcomes compared to open surgery.