Techniques and results in the management of anal and perianal Crohn's disease

We reviewed our experience with 73 patients who had Crohn's disease and underwent local anorectal surgical procedures for perianal suppurative disease during a ten year period. All but one of these patients had intestinal granulomatous disease. The average length of follow-up study was 4.6 years. By using conservative, local anorectal surgical procedures and intensive medical treatment, we were able to establish adequate drainage of abscesses, reduce the inflammatory process and relieve symptoms. Extensive drainage procedures were avoided to preserve the anal sphincter. A sliding endorectal flap repair provided satisfactory results for rectovaginal fistulas and anterior anal fistulas. Proctectomy was eventually necessary in nine patients, the primary indication being severe perianal disease in five. By performing complete excision of the perineal disease at the time of proctectomy, we were able to achieve primary healing of the perineal wound in eight of these patients. Patients were classified according to five categories of results: healed after initial local treatment, eight patients; healed after more than one local treatment, 30 patients; incomplete healing with acceptable condition, 17 patients; healed after fecal diversion, nine patients, and required proctectomy, nine patients. The majority of patients with Crohn's disease and anal and perianal suppurative disease can be managed by meticulous drainage of sepsis and preservation of the anal sphincter.