The clinical course of fistulating Crohn's disease

Abstract

Aim: To determine the clinical characteristics, management and outcome of Crohn's fistulas from the time of first presentation. Methods: Patients treated for fistulas 6 years previously were assessed for disease demographics, fistula characteristics and treatment from first presentation to final follow-up. Results: Eighty-seven patients with active Crohn's fistulas were evaluated. The median age was 35 years and the median duration of Crohn's disease was 8 years at study entry. Disease was ileo-colonic or colonic in 85%, and 65% had rectal involvement. A single fistula was present in one-third and multiple fistulas in two-thirds; 65% of fistulas were perianal; 80% of fistulas were complex. A..