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Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2025; 38(02): 126-140
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1786543
Review Article

Perianal Fistulizing Crohn's Disease: Outcomes of Surgical Repairs and Current State of Stem Cell-Based Therapies

Aaron J. Dawes
1   Section of Colon & Rectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
2   Stanford-Surgery Policy Improvement Research and Education Center, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
,
Amy L. Lightner
3   Department of General Surgery, Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, California
4   Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California
› Author Affiliations
Funding Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number KL2TR003143 (salary support for A.J.D.). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.
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Abstract

Perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease is one of the most disabling phenotypes of Crohn's disease, due to the severe impairment in quality of life including social and personal wellbeing. A multimodal approach with patient-tailored care is the key to optimal management of this condition. Medical therapy is needed to optimize the luminal disease, and surgical intervention is required to control any associated perianal sepsis and attempt palliative or definitive fistula repair. While several medical and surgical options are available, the majority of patients continue to have symptomatic disease. Fortunately, this continues to drive novel innovations which are revolutionizing the treatment and outcomes of perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease. However, there continues to be a need for randomized trials and consistent metrics utilized for classification and treatment outcomes in order to accurately describe optimal treatment outcomes.

Keywords

perianal fistulas - Crohn's disease - multidisciplinary approach - surgical intervention


Publication History

Article published online:
15 May 2024

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