[Therapy planning and surgical indications for Crohn-associated anal fistulas]

A prospective study conducted from April 1988 to April 1998 in 83 patients with anal fistulas associated Crohn's diseases registers and evaluates data regarding the type of fistula, the planned therapy, the operative procedure, and the therapy itself. The choice of the operation time with special regard to the type of fistula and the presence of proctitis as well as the interdisciplinary management in cooperation with the gastroenterologist and the strict observance of the operative procedure for the different types of fistulas enable individually defined surgical treatment of anal fistulas associated with Crohn's disease. It is important that the primary intervention be performed by a surgeon who is experienced in classifying the different types of fistulas because of the recurrence rate of 23% and the required interval between the first and final surgical intervention and so that patients are well informed.