Treatment of perianal fistula in Crohn's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing seton drainage and anti-tumour necrosis factor treatment

Management of Complex Anorectal and Perianal Crohn's Disease

Perianal symptoms occur in up to 50% of patients with Crohn's disease in other parts of the gastrointestinal tract, and in 5% of patients it is the first manifestation of the disease. The perianal area is often under stress in patients with Crohn's disease, because of the diarrhea, and the fecal urgency, frequency, and incontinence caused by proximal disease. Symptomatic perianal disease can therefore be due to the effects of the stress on an otherwise normal anus, or the result of Crohn's disease in the low rectum and/or perianal tissues themselves. This key distinction should drive the investigation and management of anal and perianal symptoms in patients with Crohn's disease. In this review, the evaluation and management of the various manifestations of Crohn's disease in the perineum and perianal tissues will be described.

Challenges in IBD Research: Novel Technologies

Novel technologies is part of five focus areas of the Challenges in IBD research document, which also includes preclinical human IBD mechanisms, environmental triggers, precision medicine and pragmatic clinical research. The Challenges in IBD research document provides a comprehensive overview of current gaps in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) research and delivers actionable approaches to address them. It is the result of a multidisciplinary input from scientists, clinicians, patients, and funders, and represents a valuable resource for patient centric research prioritization. In particular, the novel technologies section is focused on prioritizing unmet clinical needs in IBD that will benefit from novel technologies applied to: 1) non-invasive detection and monitoring of active inflammation and assessment of treatment response; 2) mucosal targeted drug delivery systems; and 3) prevention of post-operative septic complications and treatment of fistulizing complications. Proposed approaches include development of multiparametric imaging modalities and biosensors, to enable non invasive or minimally invasive detection of pro-inflammatory signals to monitor disease activity and treatment responses. Additionally, technologies for local drug delivery to control unremitting disease and increase treatment efficacy while decreasing systemic exposure are also proposed. Finally, research on biopolymers and other sealant technologies to promote post-surgical healing; and devices to control anastomotic leakage and prevent post-surgical complications and recurrences are also needed.

Recent advances in the management of perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease: lessons for the clinic

Managing fistulizing perianal disease is among the most challenging aspects of treating patients with Crohn's disease. Perianal fistulas are indicative of poor long-term prognosis. They are commonly associated with significant morbidities and can have detrimental effects on quality of life. While durable fistula closure is ideal, it is uncommon. In optimal circumstances, reported long-term fistula healing rates are only slightly higher than 50% and recurrence is common. Achieving these results requires a combined medical and surgical approach, highlighting the importance of a highly skilled and collaborative multidisciplinary team. In recent years, advances in imaging, biologic therapies and surgical techniques have lent to growing enthusiasm amongst treatment teams, however the most advantageous approach is yet to be determined. Areas covered: Here we review current management approaches, incorporating recent guidelines and novel therapies. Additionally, we discuss recently published and ongoing studies that will likely impact practice in the coming years. Expert opinion: Investing in concerted collaborative multi-institutional efforts will be necessary to better define optimal timing and dosing of medical therapy, as well as to identify ideal timing and approach of surgical interventions. Standardizing outcome measures can facilitate these efforts. Clearly, experienced multidisciplinary teams will be paramount in this process.

[Quality indicators in the treatment of anal fistulas]

Anal fistulas are a common anorectal disease and are frequently associated with a perianal abscess. The etiology is based on a cryptoglandular infection in the intersphincteric space. Surgery remains the only definitive therapy. The primary goal of definitive fistula surgery is healing; however, success of fistula surgery is influenced by a variety of factors including the surgeon's experience, type of fistula, involvement of sphincter muscles, type of surgical procedure and patient-related factors. For the surgical treatment of a complex anal fistula, a variety of operative procedures have been described including fistulectomy with sphincterotomy, different flap procedures (e.g. mucosal flap and advancement flap) and finally so-called sphincter-preserving techniques, such as LIFT (ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract), VAAFT (video-assisted anal fistula treatment), the use of plugs of collagen or fibrin glue sealants as well as laser procedures or the clip. In the search for suitable quality indicators in anal fistula surgery there is a conflict between healing and preservation of continence. If potential quality indicators are identified the principles of anal fistula surgery must be adhered to and the appropriate selection of patients and procedures is of crucial importance to achieve high healing rates without compromising continence or inducing surgical revision due to abscesses or recurrence. Based on the available literature and guidelines, in the assessment of quality indicators considerable differences exist with respect to patient selection, etiology of anal fistulas and length of follow-up. Heterogeneity of treatment protocols lead to difficulties in a definitive assessment of which surgical treatment is the best option for complex anal fistulas.

Clinical Practice Guideline for the Medical Management of Perianal Fistulizing Crohn's Disease: The Toronto Consensus

BACKGROUND

Fistulas occur in about 25% of patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and can be difficult to treat. The aim of this consensus was to provide guidance for the management of patients with perianal fistulizing CD.

METHODS

A systematic literature search identified studies on the management of fistulizing CD. The quality of evidence and strength of recommendations were rated according to the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Statements were developed through an iterative online platform using a modified Delphi process, then finalized, and voted on by a group of specialists.

RESULTS

The quality of evidence for treatment of fistulizing CD was generally of very low quality, and because of the scarcity of good randomized controlled trials (RCTs), these consensus statements generally provide conditional suggestions (5 of 7 statements). Imaging and surgical consultations were recommended in the initial assessment of patients with active fistulizing CD, particularly those with complicated disease. Antibiotic therapy is useful for initial symptom control. Antitumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy was recommended to induce symptomatic response, and continued use was suggested to achieve and maintain complete remission. The use of concomitant immunosuppressant therapies may be useful to optimize pharmacokinetic parameters when initiating anti-TNF therapy. When there has been an inadequate symptomatic response to medical management strategies, surgical therapy may provide effective fistula healing for some patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Optimal management of perianal fistulizing CD requires a collaborative effort between gastroenterologists and surgeons and may include the evidence-based use of existing therapies, as well as surgical assessments and interventions when needed. 10.1093/ibd/izy247_video1izy247.video15978518763001.

The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland consensus guidelines in surgery for inflammatory bowel disease

AIM

There is a requirement of an expansive and up to date review of surgical management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can dovetail with the medical guidelines produced by the British Society of Gastroenterology.

METHODS

Surgeons who are members of the ACPGBI with a recognised interest in IBD were invited to contribute various sections of the guidelines. They were directed to produce a procedure based document using literature searches that were systematic, comprehensible, transparent and reproducible. Levels of evidence were graded. An editorial board was convened to ensure consistency of style, presentation and quality. Each author was asked to provide a set of recommendations which were evidence based and unambiguous. These recommendations were submitted to the whole guideline group and scored. They were then refined and submitted to a second vote. Only those that achieved >80% consensus at level 5 (strongly agree) or level 4 (agree) after 2 votes were included in the guidelines.

RESULTS

All aspects of surgical care for IBD have been included along with 157 recommendations for management.

CONCLUSION

These guidelines provide an up to date and evidence based summary of the current surgical knowledge in the management of IBD and will serve as a useful practical text for clinicians performing this type of surgery.

Pharmacological Approach to the Management of Crohn's Disease Patients with Perianal Disease

Perianal localization of Crohn's disease involves significant morbidity, affects quality of life and results in an increased use of healthcare resources. Medical and surgical therapies contribute to its management. The objective of this review is to address the current understanding in the management of perianal Crohn's disease, with the main focus in reviewing pharmacological therapies, including stem cells. In complex fistulas, once local sepsis has been controlled by surgical drainage and/or antibiotics, anti-TNF drugs (infliximab, adalimumab) are the first-line therapy, with or without associated immunomodulators. Combining surgery and anti-TNF therapy has additional benefits for healing. However, response is inadequate in up to half of cases. A possible role of new biological drugs in this context (vedolizumab, ustekinumab) is an area of ongoing investigation, as is the local application of autologous or allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells. These are non-hematopoietic multipotent cells with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, the use of which may successfully treat refractory patients, and seem to be a promising and safe alternative to achieving fistula healing in Crohn's disease, without known systemic effects.

The role of multimodal treatment in Crohn's disease patients with perianal fistula: a multicentre retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Treatment paradigms for Crohn's disease with perianal fistulae (CD-pAF) are evolving.

AIMS

To study the impact of multimodality treatment in CD-pAF on recurrence rates and the need for re-interventions and to identify predictive factors for these outcomes.

METHODS

This was a multinational multicentre retrospective cohort study. Multimodality approach was defined as using a combination of medical treatments (anti-TNFs ± immunomodulators ± antibiotics) along with surgical approach (examination under anaesthesia (EUA) ± seton drainage) at diagnosis of CD-pAF. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed for variables indicative of the need for reintervention.

RESULTS

A total of 253 patients were included. 65% of patients received multimodality approach. Multimodality treatment resulted in complete fistula healing in 52% of patients. Re-intervention was needed in 27% of patients with simple and in 40.3% of those with complex fistula. On multivariable analysis multimodality treatment (OR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.17-0.57, P = 0.001), seton removal (OR: 0.090, 95% CI: 0.027-0.30, P = 0.0001, therapy with infliximab (OR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.06-0.64, P = 0.007), and therapy with adalimumab (OR: 0.12, "95% CI: 0.026-0.56, P = 0.007) were predictive of avoiding repeat surgery. Proctitis (OR: 3.76, 95% CI: 1.09-12.96, P = 0.03) was predictive of the need for radical surgery (proctectomy, diverting stoma) while multimodality treatment reduced the need for radical surgery (OR: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.05-0.81, P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Multimodality treatment, anti-TNFs use, and removal of setons after multimodality treatment can result in improved outcomes in CD patients with perianal fistulae and reduce the need for repeat surgery and radical surgery.

Clinical Practice Guideline for the Medical Management of Perianal Fistulizing Crohn's Disease: The Toronto Consensus

Background

Fistulas occur in about 25% of patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and can be difficult to treat. The aim of this consensus was to provide guidance for the management of patients with perianal fistulizing CD.

Methods

A systematic literature search identified studies on the management of fistulizing CD. The quality of evidence and strength of recommendations were rated according to the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Statements were developed through an iterative online platform using a modified Delphi process, then finalized, and voted on by a group of specialists.

Results

The quality of evidence for treatment of fistulizing CD was generally of very low quality, and because of the scarcity of good randomized controlled trials (RCTs), these consensus statements generally provide conditional suggestions (5 of 7 statements). Imaging and surgical consultations were recommended in the initial assessment of patients with active fistulizing CD, particularly those with complicated disease. Antibiotic therapy is useful for initial symptom control. Antitumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy was recommended to induce symptomatic response, and continued use was suggested to achieve and maintain complete remission. The use of concomitant immunosuppressant therapies may be useful to optimize pharmacokinetic parameters when initiating anti-TNF therapy. When there has been an inadequate symptomatic response to medical management strategies, surgical therapy may provide effective fistula healing for some patients.

Conclusions

Optimal management of perianal fistulizing CD requires a collaborative effort between gastroenterologists and surgeons and may include the evidence-based use of existing therapies, as well as surgical assessments and interventions when needed.

Modern management of perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease: future directions

Perianal fistulae in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) can be associated with significant morbidity resulting in negative impact on quality of life. The last two decades have seen significant advancements in the management of perianal fistulas in CD, which has evolved into a multidisciplinary approach that includes gastroenterologists, colorectal surgeons, endoscopists and radiologists. Despite the introduction of new medical therapies such as antitumour necrosis factor and novel models of care delivery, the best fistula healing rates reported with combined medical and surgical approaches are approximately 50%. More recently, newer biologics, cell-based therapies as well as novel endoscopic and surgical techniques have been introduced raising new hopes that outcomes can be improved upon. In this review, we describe the modern management and the most recent advances in the management of complex perianal fistulising CD, which will likely impact clinical practice. We will explore optimal use of both older and newer biological agents, as well as new data on cell-based therapies. In addition, new techniques in endoscopic and surgical approaches will be discussed.

Resources used in the treatment of perianal Crohn's disease and the results in a real-life cohort

OBJECTIVE

To study the multidisciplinary management of patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and perianal disease (perianal Crohn's disease, PCD), as well as to analyse a possible relationship between the recurrence of perianal symptoms, the type of fistula and the treatment used.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Descriptive, retrospective study of patients with PCD who were treated in the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Unit. Epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic variables were collected, as well as clinical outcome and response to treatment.

RESULTS

Of the 300 patients who attended the outpatient clinic at a university hospital, 65 had PCD. Sixteen simple fistulas (24.6%) and 49 complex fistulas (75.4%) were diagnosed. The most commonly used diagnostic technique was the endoanal ultrasound (45%). Antibiotics were used in 77.4% of patients, and 70% needed anti-TNF therapy to manage the PCD. Surgery was performed on 75.4% of the patients overall. PCD recurred in 41.5% of cases, requiring a change of the biological drugs administered and/or surgery. Complex fistulas were more likely to require surgery (P=.012) and recurrence of PCD was also more common with complex fistulas (P=.036).

CONCLUSION

Management of PCD must be multidisciplinary and combined. Most patients with complex PCD require treatment based on biological drugs. Despite therapy, remission of perianal symptoms is not achieved in a percentage of patients, supporting the need to develop new therapies for refractory cases.

ACG Clinical Guideline: Management of Crohn's Disease in Adults

Crohn's disease is an idiopathic inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology with genetic, immunologic, and environmental influences. The incidence of Crohn's disease has steadily increased over the past several decades. The diagnosis and treatment of patients with Crohn's disease has evolved since the last practice guideline was published. These guidelines represent the official practice recommendations of the American College of Gastroenterology and were developed under the auspices of the Practice Parameters Committee for the management of adult patients with Crohn's disease. These guidelines are established for clinical practice with the intent of suggesting preferable approaches to particular medical problems as established by interpretation and collation of scientifically valid research, derived from extensive review of published literature. When exercising clinical judgment, health-care providers should incorporate this guideline along with patient's needs, desires, and their values in order to fully and appropriately care for patients with Crohn's disease. This guideline is intended to be flexible, not necessarily indicating the only acceptable approach, and should be distinguished from standards of care that are inflexible and rarely violated. To evaluate the level of evidence and strength of recommendations, we used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. The Committee reviews guidelines in depth, with participation from experienced clinicians and others in related fields. The final recommendations are based on the data available at the time of the production of the document and may be updated with pertinent scientific developments at a later time.

Stem Cell Therapy in Refractory Perineal Crohn's Disease: Long-term Follow-up

AIM

To describe the long-term outcomes of adipose-mesenchymal stem cells, platelet-rich plasma, and endorectal advancement flaps in patients with Perineal Crohn's Disease.

METHOD

This was a single-center, prospective, observational pilot study performed between March 2013 and December 2016. The study included adult patients diagnosed with Perianal Crohn's Disease (with complex perianal fistulas) refractory to previous surgical and/or biological treatment. Patients underwent surgical treatment in two stages. Stage 1: Fistula mapping, drainage, seton placement and lipoaspiration to obtain adipose-mesenchymal stem cells were performed. Stage 2: The setons were removed, and the fistula tract was debrided. A small endorectal advancement flap was created, with closure of the previous internal fistula opening. Then, 100-120 million adipose-mesenchymal stem cells mixed with platelet-rich plasma were injected into the internal fistula opening and fistula tract.

RESULTS

The study included nine patients (seven females), with a median age of 36 years (r = 23-57). Eleven fistula tracks were treated, of which, two were pouch-vaginal fistulas. The median follow-up period was 31 months (r=21-37). At the end of the follow-up period, 10/11 (91%) fistulas were completely healed and 1/11 (9%) was partially healed. At the end of this period, there was no evidence of fistula relapse or adverse reactions in any patients. The Perianal Disease Activity Index and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire scores significantly improved after the procedure.

CONCLUSION

Combined therapy with adipose-mesenchymal stem cells, platelet-rich plasma and endorectal advancement flaps yielded good results in patients with refractory Perineal Crohn's Disease. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

How are we managing fistulating perianal Crohn's disease? Results of a national survey of consultant gastroenterologists

OBJECTIVE

Fistulating perianal Crohn's disease represents a significant challenge to both clinicians and patients. This survey set out to describe current practice and variation in the medical management of this condition.

DESIGN

A survey was designed by an expert group of gastroenterologists and surgeons with an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) interest. The questionnaire aimed to capture opinions from consultant gastroenterologists with a UK practice on the management of acutely symptomatic fistula, assessment of a new fistula presentation, medical management strategies and surgical intervention. The survey was piloted at the British Society of Gastroenterology Clinical Research Group meeting, and distributed at UK gastroenterology meetings.

RESULTS

There were 111 completed responses (response rate 55%). Following clearance of sepsis, 22.1% of respondents would wait 6 weeks or more before commencing medical therapy. Antibiotics were used by 89.2%, with a variable duration. First-line medical therapy was thiopurine for 48% and antitumour necrosis factor (TNF) for 50% of respondents. These were used in combination by 44.4%. Interval to escalation of therapy (if required) varied from 1 month to a year. Anti-TNF therapies were favoured in deteriorating patients. An IBD multidisciplinary team was accessible to 98%, although only 23.6% routinely discussed these patients. Optimisation strategies for anti-TNF and thiopurines were used by 70% of respondents. Recurrent sepsis, refractory disease and patient choice are indications for surgical referral.

CONCLUSION

These results illustrate the huge variation in practice and lack of consensus among physicians for the optimal medical management of perianal Crohn's disease. There are gaps in knowledge that require targeted research.

The efficacy of infliximab combined with surgical treatment of fistulizing perianal Crohn's disease: Comparative analysis according to fistula subtypes

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Infliximab is regarded as an effective therapeutic to treat Crohn's disease. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of infliximab combined with surgery and to analyze clinical manifestations according to fistula subtypes in patients with fistulizing perianal Crohn's disease.

METHODS

From April 2013 to December 2015, 47 patients with perianal Crohn's disease in two hospitals of South Korea (Goo Hospital, Gangnam Severance Hospital) were evaluated retrospectively. Patients were categorized into two groups as simple fistula (n = 20) and complex fistula group (n = 27). All patients received 5 mg/kg of infliximab intravenously at 0, 2, and 6 weeks after surgical treatments. Then every eight weeks, the responders continued to receive 5 mg/kg infliximab for maintenance therapy.

RESULTS

Complete response of induction therapy was 72.3%, and partial response was 27.7%. After maintenance therapy, complete response was 97.9% and partial response was 2.1%. There was no patient without a response to infliximab in this study. The median time to the first fistula closure was 6.00 ± 8.00 weeks. Infliximab was used on average 2.13 ± 0.71 times until the first fistula closure. The rate of recurrence was 8.5% and adverse events were 4.2%. In comparison with clinical manifestations between simple and complex fistula groups, there was no significant difference except for the coexistence of perianal abscess.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined surgical and infliximab therapy was efficacious to treat fistulizing perianal Crohn's disease with rapid treatment response and favorable clinical outcomes. It is expected that this top-down strategy with combining surgeries can overcome previous limitations in treating perianal Crohn's disease.

Increasing experience of ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract for patients with Crohn's disease: what have we learned?

AIM

Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) has been proposed as a treatment of trans-sphincteric fistula in perianal Crohn's disease (CD). The aim of this study was to look at our experience of the LIFT procedure in CD patients on long-term follow-up. Specifically, we aimed to determine the fistula healing rate after the LIFT procedure after more than 12 months follow-up and to identify any prognostic factors.

METHOD

Retrospective study of patients with trans-sphincteric Crohn's fistula tracts treated with the LIFT procedure between January 2011 and October 2015. Complete fistula healing as well as clinical outcomes were analysed.

RESULTS

Data were available for 23 patients. After a median follow-up of 23 months, LIFT site healing was 48%. Patients with healed LIFT had a median follow-up time of 10.5 months, while patients with failed LIFT had a median follow-up time of 31 months (P = 0.04). Median time to failure was 9 months for patients with follow-up > 1 year. Most patients failed within 1 year (9/12; 75%) of the procedure. In multi-site CD, the LIFT procedure was more likely to be successful in those with small bowel disease (P = 0.04) compared with colonic disease (P = 0.02). Other factors such as preoperative use of biological therapies, presence of a seton, previous repair attempts, fistula position, type or number of fistulas, multiple fistula tracts, smoking status and other associated perianal disease did not appear to influence LIFT healing rates.

CONCLUSION

The LIFT procedure offers reasonable long-term success in the treatment of perianal trans-sphincteric fistulas associated with CD. LIFT is more likely to fail in patients with concurrent colonic CD than in patients with small bowel CD.

Exploring endoscopic therapy for the treatment of Crohn's disease-related fistula and abscess

Fistula and abscess represent penetrating disease phenotypes of Crohn's disease (CD) and can develop in patients with or without prior history of CD-related surgery. While CD fistula and abscess have been traditionally treated with medical and surgical therapy, the role of endoscopic therapy in this particular phenotype of CD is expanding recently, thanks to advanced endoscopic techniques and a better understanding of pathogenesis and natural history of the disease and principle of treatment. The success of endoscopic treatment for inflammatory bowel disease depends on comprehension and appreciation of principles, then techniques, followed by instrument and device. Attempts should be made to temporarily or permanently close the feeding side (or the primary) orifice at the gut, by various forms of clipping. Endoscopic fistulotomy is feasible, particularly for perianal fistula and surgery-associated distal bowel fistula. Perianal abscess can be treated with endoscopic incision and drainage and even seton placement. Endoscopic treatment for fistula and abscess as well as for stricture has become an important part of the multidisciplinary approach to complex CD.

Cost-effectiveness of biological treatment sequences for fistulising Crohn's disease across Europe

Background

In clinical practice, treatment sequences of biologicals are applied for active fistulising Crohn's disease, however underlying health economic analyses are lacking.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to analyse the cost-effectiveness of different biological sequences including infliximab, biosimilar-infliximab, adalimumab and vedolizumab in nine European countries.

Methods

A Markov model was developed to compare treatment sequences of one, two and three biologicals from the payer's perspective on a five-year time horizon. Data on effectiveness and health state utilities were obtained from the literature. Country-specific costs were considered. Calculations were performed with both official list prices and estimated real prices of biologicals.

Results

Biosimilar-infliximab is the most cost-effective treatment against standard care across the countries (with list prices: €34684-€72551/quality adjusted life year; with estimated real prices: €24364-€56086/quality adjusted life year). The most cost-effective two-agent sequence, except for Germany, is the biosimilar-infliximab-adalimumab therapy compared with single biosimilar-infliximab (with list prices: €58533-€133831/quality adjusted life year; with estimated prices: €45513-€105875/quality adjusted life year). The cost-effectiveness of the biosimilar-infliximab-adalimumab-vedolizumab three-agent sequence compared wit biosimilar-infliximab -adalimumab is €87214-€152901/quality adjusted life year.

Conclusions

The suggested first-choice biological treatment is biosimilar-infliximab. In case of treatment failure, switching to adalimumab then to vedolizumab provides meaningful additional health gains but at increased costs. Inter-country differences in cost-effectiveness are remarkable due to significant differences in costs.

Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland consensus exercise on surgical management of fistulating perianal Crohn's disease

AIM

Management of fistulating perianal Crohn's disease (fpCD) is a significant challenge for a colorectal surgeon. A recent survey of surgical practice in this condition showed variation in management approaches. As a result we set out to devise recommendations for practice for UK colorectal surgeons.

METHOD

Results from a national survey were used to devise a set of potential consensus statements. Consultant colorectal surgeons were invited to participate in the exercise via the previous survey and the mailing list of the professional society. Iterative voting was performed on each statement using a five-point Likert scale and electronic voting, with opportunity for discussion and refinement between each vote. Consensus was defined as > 80% agreement.

RESULTS

Seventeen surgeons and two patient representatives voted upon 51 statements. Consensus was achieved on 39 items. Participants advocated a patient-centred approach by a colorectal specialist, within strong multidisciplinary teamworking. The use of anti-TNFα therapy is advocated. Where definitive surgical techniques are considered they should be carefully selected to avoid adverse impact on function. Ano/rectovaginal fistulas should be managed by specialists in fistulating disease. Stoma or proctectomy could be discussed earlier in a patient's treatment pathway to improve choice, as they may improve quality of life.

CONCLUSION

This consensus provides principles and guidance for best practice in managing patients with fpCD.

Surgical management of fistulating perianal Crohn's disease: a UK survey

AIM

Around one-third of patients with Crohn's disease are affected by Crohn's fistula-in-ano (pCD). It typically follows a chronic course and patients undergo long-term medical and surgical therapy. We set out to describe current surgical practice in the management of pCD in the UK.

METHOD

A survey of surgical management of pCD was designed by an expert group of colorectal surgeons and gastroenterologists. This assessed acute, elective, multidisciplinary and definitive surgical management. A pilot of the questionnaire was undertaken at the 2015 meeting of the Digestive Disease Federation. The survey was refined and distributed nationally through the trainee collaborative networks.

RESULTS

National rollout obtained responses from 133 of 179 surgeons approached (response rate 74.3%). At first operation, 32% of surgeons would always consider drainage of sepsis and 31.1% would place a draining seton. At first elective operation, 66.6% would routinely insert of draining seton, and 84.4% would avoid cutting seton. An IBD multidisciplinary team was available to 87.6% of respondents, although only 25.1% routinely discussed pCD patients. Anti-tumour necrosis factor-alpha therapy was routinely considered by 64.2%, although 44.2% left medical management to gastroenterologists. Common definitive procedures were removal of the seton only (70.7%), fistulotomy (57.1%), advancement flap (38.9%), fistula plug (36.4%) and ligation of intersphincteric track (LIFT) procedure (31.8%). Indications for diverting stoma or proctectomy were intractable sepsis, incontinence and poor quality of life.

CONCLUSION

This survey has demonstrated areas of common practice, but has also highlighted divergent practice including choices of definitive surgery and multimodal management. Practical guidelines are required to support colorectal surgeons in the UK.

The long-term outcome of anti-TNF alpha therapy in perianal Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha therapy in perianal Crohn's disease and identify factors predicting response to treatment.

METHODS

Data from hospital clinical records and coding databases were retrospectively reviewed from a tertiary care hospital in Christchurch, New Zealand. The study included 75 adult patients with perianal Crohn's disease commenced on anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha therapy from January 2000 to December 2012. Response to treatment was determined from records relating to clinical evaluation, magnetic resonance imaging follow-up and whether further surgical intervention was required.

RESULTS

73% (55) of all patients and 38 of the 57 (67%) patients with perianal fistulas responded to anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha therapy. Patients with complex fistulas were less likely to improve as compared to patients without fistulising disease. Five of the 57 (13%) patients with perianal fistulas demonstrated complete healing on clinical evaluation; however, magnetic resonance imaging confirmed complete healing in only two. Patients that had taken antibiotics and those that had previously required abscess drainage were less likely to respond to treatment [relative risk (RR) = 0.707 and 0.615, respectively; p = 0.03, p = 0.0001]. Responders were less likely to require follow-up surgery (RR = 0.658, p = 0.014) including ileostomy or proctectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Although anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha tends to improve symptoms of perianal Crohn's disease, in the long term, it rarely achieves complete healing. Perianal fistulising disease, a history of perianal abscess and antibiotic treatment are predictors of poor response to therapy.

Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha Antibodies in Fistulizing Crohn's Disease: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Medical treatment for fistulizing Crohn's disease (FCD) is changing rapidly over the time by the introduction of novel therapeutic medicines, while no global consensus is available. This study aims to accomplish a systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy of tumor necrosis factor-alpha antibodies (anti-TNF-α antibodies) versus placebo in FCD. A systematic review of published literature was carried out till December 2016, and a meta-analysis of identified studies was done. Data have been explored from PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library Database, and Web of Science. Predefined exclusion criteria for included studies in meta-analysis are based on search methodology and are as follows: Randomized clinical trial about Crohn's disease (CD) patients without fistula, pediatrics CD, randomized clinical trials about pregnant women with FCD, nonhuman studies, randomized clinical trials with surgical therapies interventions, conference abstracts, case reports, and language other than English studies. All randomized placebo-controlled trials were included. To assess risk of bias, Jadad score was applied to evaluate trials' methodological quality. Relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals were computed using Mantel-Haenszel and/or Rothman-Boice (for fixed effects) or Der Simonian-Laird (for random effects) techniques. Nine studies attained defined inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis results showed that anti-TNF-α antibodies are remarkably more effective in comparison to placebo for fistula closure maintenance (RR = 2.36; 95% confidence interval: 1.58–3.55; P < 0.0001) in patients with FCD, whereas anti-TNF-α antibodies were not superior to placebo neither in fistula improvement nor in fistula closure. We concluded that adalimumab and certolizumab pegol are both effective in fistula closure maintenance in adult patients with FCD.

Management of complex perianal Crohn's disease

Patients with Crohn's disease often develop perianal disease, successfully managed in most cases. However, its most aggressive form, complex perianal disease, is associated with high morbidity and a significant impairment in patients' quality of life. The aim of this review is to provide an updated approach to this condition, reviewing aspects of its epidemiology, diagnosis and therapeutic alternatives. Emerging treatment options are also discussed. A multidisciplinary assessment of these patients with a coordinated medical and surgical approach is crucial.