[Management of intestinal complications in inflammatory bowel diseases]

The evolution of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by the occurrence of gastrointestinal complications. For Crohn's disease (CD), it is mainly strictures, fistulas and abdominal or pelvic abscess in luminal forms and perianal lesions (ulcers, fissures, fistula/abscess) in the perineal forms. For ulcerative colitis (UC), main complications are severe flare up and dysplasia/cancer. In Crohn's disease, stenosis can be treated medically in first line (steroid-immunosupppresseurs or antiTNF) especially when the inflammatory component is predominant or in extensive lesions. In case of limited lesions (< 4 cm) and low inflammatory component, endoscopic dilatation can be propose before surgery, especially in patients previously operated on. Abdomino-pelvic abscess should be drained if the size is greater than 4-5 cm and treated with antibiotics. If obstructive signs are present after the resolution of the abscess, surgery is usually required. In some cases, an antiTNF therapy can be discussed (ongoing trial with the GETAID). Surgery during the MC should be performed laparoscopically, particularly in uncomplicated forms (first ileocecal resection) but also whenever possible for complicated diseases. Anoperineal abscess must be drained by non-tight setons. Medical treatment also involves antibiotics and antiTNF, usually in combotherapy. Biological glue is especially interesting in simple fistulas. Collagen plugs have not demonstrated efficacy in simple or complex perianal Crohn's disease fistulas and may have a deleterious effect. They are therefore not recommended. Severe UC flare up are still conventionally treated with corticosteroids IV for 3-5 days, followed in case of failure of a 2nd line treatment with infliximab or ciclosporin. The place of emergency colectomy had regressed due to the effectiveness of medical treatments.