Anoperineal lesions in Crohn's disease: French recommendations for clinical practice

Perianal Fistula; from Etiology to Treatment - A Review

Anal fistula has been a challenging clinical issue for years due to its complex pathogenesis. The risk of frequent recurrence and incontinence complicates long-term treatment. Recent scientific literature has reviewed new techniques used for anal fistula treatment in recent years, assessing the advantages and disadvantages of each based on clinical outcomes. Although surgery is the main method used to treat anal fistula, there is no simple technique that can completely heal complex anal fistula. The surgical treatment should consider the healing outcome and the protection of anal function comprehensively. Several innovative techniques have emerged in recent years, such as combined techniques based on drainage seton and LIFT-plug, which appear to be relatively effective therapies. However, more multi-center prospective trials with long-term follow-up are needed to validate their effectiveness. In some situations, medical treatment may also be considered.

Comprehensive Review of Ustekinumab Utilization in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Insights from the ClinicalTrials.gov Registry

Background

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are chronic inflammatory conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract. To achieve and sustain remission, effective treatment strategies are necessary. Ustekinumab, a biologic agent targeting interleukin-12 and interleukin-23, has emerged as a significant therapeutic option for moderate to severe IBD.

Aim

To gain insights into the utilization of Ustekinumab for IBD, we conducted a comprehensive review of the ClinicalTrials.gov registry.

Methods

A comprehensive search of the ClinicalTrials.gov was conducted to find all clinical trials involving the use of Ustekinumab in IBD patients. As of December 30th, 2022, 69 clinical trials were identified that included IBD and Ustekinumab. The study list was saved, and those clinical trials that fitted the definition of targeted therapy were included in the review.

Results

The results showed that Ustekinumab was associated with significant improvements in the clinical response and remission rates, in both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis patients. Additionally, the safety profile of Ustekinumab was generally favourable, with low rates of adverse events reported. In terms of study design, most of the relevant studies found in the database were interventional studies. The investigation focused on completed studies and found that there were a limited number of clinical trials with interventional measures.

Conclusion

Ustekinumab appears to be a promising treatment option for patients with IBD, with the potential to provide significant clinical benefits and a favourable safety profile. Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and explore optimal dosing and treatment regimens.

Identification and Reporting of Anal Pathology during Routine Colonoscopies

The gold-standard procedure for anal canal examination is anoscopy. Nonetheless, patients are referred for a colonoscopy for many reasons, and a routine exam might provide an opportunity to diagnose anal pathologies, such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, anal polyps, condylomas, and anal squamous cell carcinoma. It is important to know the main features of these conditions and relevant information to report in order to help guide patient treatment and follow-up.

What is the best surgical option after failure of graciloplasty in patients with recurrent rectovaginal fistula? A study of 19 consecutive patients

BACKGROUND

Management of recurrent rectovaginal fistula (rRVF) remains challenging despite the good results of graciloplasty reported in the literature. However, little is known about how to avoid a permanent stoma if graciloplasty fails. The aim of our study was to report the management of rRVF after failure of graciloplasty.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed on consecutive patients with rRVF after failure of graciloplasty treated at our institution in January 2005-December 2021.

RESULTS

There were 19 patients, with a median age at graciloplasty of 39 years (range 25-64 years). Etiologies of RVF were Crohn's disease (CD) (n = 10), postoperative (n = 5), post-obstetrical (n = 3), and unknown (n = 1). After failure of graciloplasty, 45 new procedures were performed, all of them with a covering stoma: trans-anal repairs (n = 31), delayed colo-anal anastomosis (DCAA) (n = 4), biological mesh interposition (n = 3), second graciloplasty (n = 3), stoma only (n = 2) and redo ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) (n = 2). One patient was not re-operated on and instead treated medically for CD. After a mean follow-up of 63 ± 49 months, success (i.e., absence of stoma or RVF) was obtained in 11 patients (58%): 4/4 DCAA (100%), 5/31 after local repair (16%), 1 after stoma creation alone (50%) and 1 after redo IPAA (50%). Second graciloplasty and biologic mesh interposition all failed. All 8 patients with failed intervention had CD.

CONCLUSIONS

In cases of rRVF after failed graciloplasty, reoperation is possible, although the chance of success is relatively low. The best results were obtained with DCAA. CD is a predictor of poor outcome.

Treatment escalation and de-escalation decisions in Crohn's disease: Delphi consensus recommendations from Japan, 2021

BACKGROUND

We aimed to develop criteria for treatment intensification in patients with (1) luminal Crohn's disease (CD), (2) CD with perianal disease and/or fistula, (3) CD with small bowel stenosis, (4) in the postoperative setting, and (5) for discontinuing or reducing the dose of treatment in patients with CD.

METHODS

PubMed and Embase were searched for studies published since 1998 which may be relevant to the five defined topics. Results were assessed for relevant studies, with preference given to data from randomized, controlled studies. For each question, a core panel of 12 gastroenterologists defined the treatment target and developed statements, based on the literature, current guidelines, and relevant additional studies. The evidence supporting each statement was graded using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine: Levels of Evidence (March 2009). A modified Delphi process was used to refine statements and gain agreement from 54 Japanese specialists at in-person and online meetings conducted between October 2020 and April 2021.

RESULTS

Seventeen statements were developed for treatment intensification in luminal CD (targeting endoscopic remission), six statements for treatment intensification in perianal/fistulizing CD (targeting healing of perianal lesions and complete closure of the fistula), six statements for treatment intensification in CD with small bowel stenosis (targeting resolution of obstructive symptoms), seven statements for treatment intensification after surgery (targeting endoscopic remission), and five statements for discontinuing or reducing the dose of treatment in patients with CD.

CONCLUSIONS

These statements provide guidance on how and when to intensify or de-intensify treatment for a broad spectrum of patients with CD.

A Preclinical Validation of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Treatment of Perianal Fistulizing Crohn's Disease

Fistulizing anoperineal lesions are severe complications of Crohn's disease (CD) that affect quality of life with a long-term risk of anal sphincter destruction, incontinence, permanent stoma, and anal cancer. Despite several surgical procedures, they relapse in about two-thirds of patients, mandating innovative treatments. Ultrasmall particles of iron oxide (USPIO) have been described to achieve in vivo rapid healing of deep wounds in the skin and liver of rats thanks to their nanobridging capability that could be adapted to fistula treatment. Our main purpose was to highlight preclinical data with USPIO for the treatment of perianal fistulizing CD. Twenty male Sprague Dawley rats with severe 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid solution (TNBS)-induced proctitis were operated to generate two perianal fistulas per rat. At day 35, two inflammatory fistulas were obtained per rat and perineal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed. After a baseline MRI, a fistula tract was randomly drawn and topically treated either with saline or with USPIO for 1 min (n = 17 for each). The rats underwent a perineal MRI on postoperative days (POD) 1, 4, and 7 and were sacrificed for pathological examination. The primary outcome was the filling or closure of the fistula tract, including the external or internal openings. USPIO treatment allowed the closure and/or filling of all the treated fistulas from its application until POD 7 in comparison with the control fistulas (23%). The treatment with USPIO was safe, permanently closed the fistula along its entire length, including internal and external orifices, and paved new avenues for the treatment of perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease.

The Optimal Management of Fistulizing Crohn's Disease: Evidence beyond Randomized Clinical Trials

Fistulizing Crohn's disease (FCD) remains the most challenging aspect of treating patients with CD. FCD can occur in up to 30% of patients with CD and may lead to significant disability and impaired quality of life. The optimal treatment strategies for FCD require a multidisciplinary approach, including a combined medical and surgical approach. The therapeutic options for FCD are limited due to sparse evidence from randomized clinical trials (RCTs). The current recommendations are mainly based on post hoc analysis from RCTs, real-world clinical studies and expert opinion. There is variation in everyday clinical practice amongst gastroenterologists and surgeons. The evidence for anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy is the strongest in the treatment of FCD. However, long-term fistula healing can be achieved in only 30-50% of patients. In recent years, emerging data in the advent of therapeutic modalities, including the use of new biologic agents, therapeutic drug monitoring, novel surgical methods and mesenchymal stem cell therapy, have been shown to improve outcomes in achieving fistula healing. This review summarizes the existing literature on current and emerging therapies to provide guidance beyond RCTs in managing FCD.

Relationship between clinical remission of perianal fistulas in Crohn’s disease and serum adalimumab concentrations: A multi-center cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Crohn’s disease (CD) is complicated by perianal fistulas in approximately 20% of patients. Achieving permanent fistula closure remains a challenge for physicians. An association between serum anti-tumor necrosis factor-α concentrations and clinical outcomes in patients with CD has been demonstrated; however, little information is available on serum adalimumab (ADA) concentrations and remission of perianal fistulas in such patients.

AIM

To study the relationship between serum ADA concentrations and clinical remission of CD-associated perianal fistulas.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study of patients with CD-associated perianal fistulas treated with ADA was performed at four French hospitals between December 2013 and March 2018. At the time of each serum ADA concentration measurement, we collected information about the patients and their fistulas. The primary study endpoint was clinical remission of fistulas defined as the absence of drainage (in accordance with Present’s criteria), with a PDAI ≤ 4, absence of a seton and assessment of the overall evaluation as favorable by the proctologist at the relevant center. We also assessed fistula healing [defined as being in clinical and radiological (magnetic resonance imaging, MRI) remission] and adverse events.

RESULTS

The study cohort comprised 34 patients who underwent 56 evaluations (patients had between one and four evaluations). Fifteen patients had clinical remissions (44%), four of whom had healed fistulas on MRI. Serum ADA concentrations were significantly higher at evaluations in which clinical remission was identified than at evaluations in which it was not [14 (10-16) vs 10 (2-15) μg/mL, P = 0.01]. Serum ADA concentrations were comparable at the times of evaluation of patients with and without healed fistulas [11 (7-14) vs 10 (4-16) μg/mL, P = 0.69]. The adverse event rate did not differ between different serum ADA concentrations.

CONCLUSION

We found a significant association between high serum ADA concentrations and clinical remission of CD-associated perianal fistulas.

Surgical closure, mainly with glue injection and anti-tumour necrosis factor α, in fistulizing perianal Crohn's disease: A multicentre randomized controlled trial

AIM

In patients with fistulizing perianal Crohn's disease (CD), the need for a secondary surgical step is not defined. The aim was to assess the efficacy of surgical closure compared to a single seton removal in patients with drained fistulizing perianal CD treated with adalimumab.

METHODS

This was a multicentre, randomized controlled trial, comparing seton removal + surgical closure (closure group) to seton removal alone (control group) with a stratification according to the American Gastroenterological Association classification. The primary end-point was fistula closure at month 12 defined by the association of the following criteria: no seton, absence of a visible external opening, absence of discharge from the tract after finger compression, absence of an internal opening, absence of perianal pain/abscess and absence of fistula-related abnormalities.

RESULTS

Among the 64 included patients (262 expected) (48 complex fistula, 75%), 33 were randomized to the closure group and 31 to the control group. In the closure group, 26 patients (78.8%) had glue. At month 12, overall fistula closure was achieved in 35 of the evaluable 58 patients (60%): 18/32 (56%) in the surgery group and 17/26 (65%) in the control group (P = 0.479). In the closure group, fistula closure was observed in 13/25 (52%) and 5/7 (71%) patients with complex and simple fistula respectively (P = 0.426), compared with 12/18 (67%) and 5/8 (63%), respectively in the control group (P = 1.000).

CONCLUSIONS

Seton removal alone seems to be no more effective than a secondary surgical step (in particular glue injection) in patients having fistulizing perianal CD controlled by an initial drainage combined with adalimumab. The results should be interpreted with caution.

Infliximab for Anoperineal Lesions in Crohn's Disease: Remission Appears to be Based on Rapid Combination Therapy at High Doses

Study Aim The aim of the present study was to compare in real life the characteristics of treatment with infliximab according to the presence or absence of anoperineal involvement in Crohn's disease.

Methods We performed a single-center, prospective, non-interventional study, on patients with Crohn's disease in remission who had been treated with infliximab for at least 1 year. Patients with poor treatment compliance, on antibiotics, or those with a stoma were excluded.

Results We included 52 patients in this study: 34 with anoperineal lesions with or without luminal lesions, and 18 with luminal lesions only. Patients with anoperineal lesions were more likely to have undergone surgery (70.6% versus 38.9%, p = 0.027), had a shorter median time to infliximab treatment initiation (0.5 versus 5.5 years, p = 0.005), a higher mean dose of infliximab (6.6 versus 5.1 mg/kg, p = 0.015), and were more likely to receive combination treatments including infliximab (52.9% versus 11.1%, p = 0.008) than patients with luminal involvement only.

Conclusions In our study, infliximab treatment was initiated more quickly, at higher doses, and more in combination therapy for anoperineal Crohn's disease than for luminal damage alone. Additional studies are required to confirm this finding and to assess the tolerance of this treatment throughout patient management.

Long-term evaluation of the impact of delivery modalities on anal continence in women with Crohn's disease

CONTEXT

Crohn's disease (CD) and sphincter injury during childbirth are two risk factors for anal incontinence (AI). The long-term risk of developing AI in women with CD after childbirth has never been studied.

GOAL

The main objective of the study is to assess the risk of developing severe AI after childbirth in women with CD.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed in women with CD who gave birth in a French "Level 3" maternity hospital between 2000 and 2015. The primary endpoint was severe AI as defined by a Wexner score≥9 or a St. Mark's score≥9, at least five years after childbirth. The association between delivery route and occurrence of severe AI was assessed by univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Forty-six women were included, 32 of whom were delivered vaginally and 14 by Caesarean section. Thirty-one percent of the women had severe AI according to the Wexner score, and 41% according to the St. Mark's score. Two factors were associated with severe AI: vaginal delivery and the occurrence of an obstetric perineal injury: (crude OR=8.89, 95% (CI: 1.03-76.57) and crude OR=4.16, 95% (CI: 1.06-16.27) respectively for AI defined by the Wexner score, and crude OR=6.8, 95% (CI: 1.30-35.41) and crude OR=4.3, 95% (CI: 1.23-15.2) for AI defined by the St. Mark's score). After adjusting for confounding factors, only vaginal delivery was associated with severe AI (adjusted OR=22.86, 95% CI: 1.52-931.28 for a Wexner score≥9 and adjusted OR=16. 11 (95% CI: 1.43-533.26) for a St Mark score≥9).

CONCLUSION

Vaginal birth was associated with the development of severe long-term AI in women with CD.

Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in the Treatment of Perianal Fistulas in Crohn's Disease: Rationale, Clinical Results and Perspectives

Between 20 to 25% of Crohn’s disease (CD) patients suffer from perianal fistulas, a marker of disease severity. Seton drainage combined with anti-TNFα can result in closure of the fistula in 70 to 75% of patients. For the remaining 25% of patients there is room for in situ injection of autologous or allogenic mesenchymal stem cells such as adipose-derived stem/stromal cells (ADSCs). ADSCs exert their effects on tissues and effector cells through paracrine phenomena, including the secretome and extracellular vesicles. They display anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, pro-angiogenic, proliferative, and immunomodulatory properties, and a homing within the damaged tissue. They also have immuno-evasive properties allowing a clinical allogeneic approach. Numerous clinical trials have been conducted that demonstrate a complete cure rate of anoperineal fistulas in CD ranging from 46 to 90% of cases after in situ injection of autologous or allogenic ADSCs. A pivotal phase III-controlled trial using allogenic ADSCs (Alofisel^®) demonstrated that prolonged clinical and radiological remission can be obtained in nearly 60% of cases with a good safety profile. Future studies should be conducted for a better knowledge of the local effect of ADSCs as well as for a standardization in terms of the number of injections and associated procedures.

Rectovaginal fistula in Crohn's disease treatment: a low long-term success rate and a high definitive stoma risk after a conservative surgical approach

BACKGROUND

Management of rectovaginal fistula (RVF) in Crohn's disease (CD) is challenging. Available studies are heterogeneous and retrospective, with short-term follow-up. The aim of this study was to assess the overall long-term medico-surgical treatment results in women with RVF due to CD.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on consecutive patients operated on for RVF in CD from September 1996 to November 2019 at a tertiary teaching hospital. All surgeries were classified as preliminary, closure, or salvage procedures. Primary outcome was fistula remission defined as the combination of fistula closure and no stoma, at least 6 months since last procedure.

RESULTS

Thirty-two patients (median age 34 [range 21-55] years), with a median follow-up of 11.3 years (0-23.7) after first surgery, were included. Altogether, 138 procedures were performed; 36 (26%) preliminary, 80 (58%) closure, and 13 (9%) salvage procedures. RVF remission was obtained in 7/32 patients (22%). At the end of follow-up, a stoma was present in 13/32 patients (41%). The percentage of time on biologics was 86% for patients in remission, versus 36% for the others (p = 0.0057). After univariate analysis, only anti-TNF-α was significantly related to successful closure techniques (p = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

The RVF remission rate in CD was low in the long term. However, patients underwent a succession of interventions, and the stoma rate was high. Combination of biologics with surgical management was crucial.

Evaluation of guidelines for the management of perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease

INTRODUCTION

The occurrence of perineal fistula is a significant evesnt in the evolution of Crohn's disease. Approximately 21% to 23% of patients develop perineal fistula at least once in their lifetime, approximately 30% of patients have cases of recurrence, and the refractory and recurrent perineal lesions of Crohn's disease impose a great economic burden on patients. The main purpose of this review was to investigate the quality of guidelines for perineal fistula in Crohn's disease.

AREA COVERED

Relevant websites and databases were systematically searched to identify and select clinical guidelines related to perineal fistulas in Crohn's disease. Four independent reviewers assessed the eligible guidelines using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) and used intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) to measure the agreement among the guideline reviewers.

CONCLUSION

There is much room for improvement in the quality of guidelines for the management of perineal fistulas in Crohn's disease. The recommendations and evidence for guidelines for the management of perineal fistulas in Crohn's disease are quite heterogeneous, and guideline-developers would be well advised to address the above issues during future guideline development.

Inflammatory bowel disease position statement of the Italian Society of Colorectal Surgery (SICCR): Crohn's disease

The Italian Society of Colorectal Surgery (SICCR) promoted the project reported here, which consists of a position statement of Italian colorectal surgeons to address the surgical aspects of Crohn's disease management. Members of the society were invited to express their opinions on several items proposed by the writing committee, based on evidence available in the literature. The results are presented, focusing on relevant points. The present paper is not an alternative to available guidelines; rather, it offers a snapshot of the attitudes of SICCR surgeons about the surgical treatment of Crohn's disease. The committee was able to identify some points of major disagreement and suggested strategies to improve quality of available data and acceptance of guidelines.

Analysis of Risk Factors for Anorectal Stenosis of Perianal Fistulizing Crohn's Disease

Background

To analyze the risk factors of anorectal stenosis associated with perianal fistulizing Crohn’s disease (PFCD).

Material/Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 139 cases of PFCD from January 2010 to December 2017 at the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine. They were divided into 2 groups according to whether anorectal stenosis occurred. The possible factors associated with anorectal stenosis of PFCD were selected based on the literature review and clinical observations. Univariate analysis was performed to screen the risk factors of anorectal stenosis, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed on these risk factors and factors that were clinically considered to be potentially influential, to screen out the independent risk factors of anorectal stenosis.

Results

We found that 44 cases (31.7%) of PFCD were associated with anorectal stenosis. Univariate analysis showed that CDAI, lesion location, and age at diagnosis were risk factors for anorectal stenosis of PFCD. Logistic regression analysis showed that mild (fair to good) (OR=3.833, 95% CI: 1.123~13.080) to moderate (poor) (OR=7.345, 95% CI: 1.964~27.474) CDAI and age at diagnosis (OR=1.067, 95% CI: 1.013~1.124) were independent risk factors for anorectal stenosis of PFCD.

Conclusions

Higher CDAI and older age at diagnosis appear to confer higher risk of anorectal stenosis associated with PFCD.

[Anogenital granulomatosis as extradigestive Crohn disease: Efficiency of adalimumab therapy]

INTRODUCTION

Anogenital granulomatosis is a rare disease which is actually considered as a metastatic lesion of Crohn disease (CD).

OBSERVATION

A 53-year-old woman presented with intermittent vulvar and anoperineal lesions since adolescence, seeping and painful during sexual intercourse. We observed an infiltrative and asymmetric oedema of labia majora, perianal oedematous vegetative pseudo-marisca, and groin fold and perianal linear "knife-like" ulcerations. Pathological analysis revealed noncaseating giant cell granulomas. The diagnosis of CD was made. Investigations did not show any intestinal involvement. Anti-TNFα therapy with adalimumab was dramatically efficient.

CONCLUSION

Anogenital granulomatosis often precedes intestinal lesions but may also be isolated as in our case. Although treatment is difficult, anti-TNFα seem promising tools.

Online training on how to diagnose anoperineal lesions of Crohn's disease: Do pictures matter? A nationwide randomized study

Any gastroenterologist must be trained to properly diagnose anoperineal lesions in patients with Crohn's disease (APLOC). The aim of this study was to establish whether adding pictures would improve teaching effectiveness of the diagnosis of APLOC to French gastroenterology trainees.

METHOD

Trainees were asked to answer a first web-based survey consisting of evaluating 12 pictures of APLOC with a closed answer questionnaire. They were then randomized in 2 groups. Group A received an online teaching with typical pictures and APLOC definitions and group B definitions only. Trainees were asked again seven days later to answer a second survey with 12 other pictures of APLOC and 14 experts also answered this survey. Diagnostic scores were expressed in %. The primary endpoint was the comparison of the score of survey 2 between the two groups of trainees. Secondary endpoints were to compare results of survey 2 between trainees of both groups and experts, and assess diagnosis of each lesion.

RESULTS

Two hundred fourty eight trainees among 465 answered survey 1, and 195 survey 2. The diagnostic score was 71.9% for groups A and B and 74.6% for experts (differences NS). After training diagnosis of ulceration was 72% for group A and 72.9% for group B, fistulae 85.2% versus 85.8%, erythema 44.1% vs. 55.6%, anoperineal scars 67.5% vs. 65.6%, and abscess 100% (differences NS).

CONCLUSION

There was no difference between the two teaching methods. Further research should be performed aiming at improving teaching material and quotation baremes.

Contemporary surgical practice in the management of anal fistula: results from an international survey

Background

Management of anal fistula (AF) remains challenging with many controversies. The purpose of this study was to explore current surgical practice in the management of AF with a focus on technical variations among surgeons.

Methods

An online survey was conducted by inviting all surgeons and physicians on the membership directory of European Society of Coloproctology and American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. An invitation was extended to others via social media. The survey had 74 questions exploring diagnostic and surgical techniques.

Results

In March 2018, 3572 physicians on membership directory were invited to take part in the study 510 of whom (14%) responded to the survey. Of these respondents, 492 (96%) were surgeons. Respondents were mostly colorectal surgeons (84%) at consultant level (84%), age ≥ 40 years (64%), practicing in academic (53%) or teaching (30%) hospitals, from the USA (36%) and Europe (34%). About 80% considered fistulotomy as the gold standard treatment for simple fistulas. Endorectal advancement flap was performed using partial- (42%) or full-thickness (44%) flaps. Up to 38% of surgeons performed ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) sometimes with technical variations. Geographic and demographic differences were found in both the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to AF. Declared rates of recurrence and fecal incontinence with these techniques were variable and did not correlate with surgeons’ experience. Only 1–4% of surgeons were confident in performing the most novel sphincter-preserving techniques in patients with Crohn’s disease.

Conclusions

Profound technical variations exist in surgical management of AF, making it difficult to reproduce and compare treatment outcomes among different centers.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s10151-019-02051-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Diverting Stoma for Refractory Ano-perineal Crohn's Disease: Is It Really Useful in the Anti-TNF Era? A Multivariate Analysis in 74 Consecutive Patients

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Faecal diversion [FD] can be proposed in patients with refractory anoperineal Crohn's disease [APCD]. This study aimed to assess long-term results of this strategy, following the advent of the anti-tumour necrosis factor [TNF] era.

METHODS

All patients who underwent FD for refractory APCD between 2005 and 2017 were included, excluding patients with a history of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. A multivariate analysis regarding absence of stoma reversal [SR] was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 65 consecutive patients who underwent FD for APCD (comprising anoperineal fistula [n = 40, 62%], rectovaginal fistula [n = 21, 32%], fissures and/or ulceration [n = 9, 14%], and/or anal stricture [n = 5, 8%]) were included. At the time of FD, 34 patients [52%] presented with small bowel Crohn's disease [CD] involvement, 29 [45%] with colonic involvement, and 19 [29%] with rectal involvement. Following FD, 54 patients [83%] were treated with anti-TNF therapy, prescribed for isolated APCD [n = 10, 15%] or luminal CD with APCD [n = 44, 68%]. After a mean follow-up of 49 ± 29 [7-120] months, SR was not possible in 32 patients [49%], including 17 patients [26%] requiring a subsequent proctectomy with abdominoperineal excision. In multivariate analysis, rectal CD involvement was the only independent factor associated with a reduced rate of SR (odds ratio: 4.0 [1.153-14.000]; p = 0.029), and anti-TNF therapy had no impact on SR rate.

CONCLUSIONS

FD can be performed in selected patients with refractory APCD, to avoid abdominoperineal resection. However, this strategy should be proposed with caution in patients presenting with rectal CD involvement. Anti-TNF therapy has no impact on SR rate.

How to manage anal ulcerations and anorectal stenosis in Crohn's disease: algorithm-based decision making : French National Working Group Consensus 2018

The French National Society of Coloproctology established national recommendations for the treatment of anoperineal lesions associated with Crohn's disease. Treatment strategies for anal ulcerations and anorectal stenosis are suggested. Recommendations have been graded following international recommendations, and when absent professional agreement was established. For each situation, practical algorithms have been drawn.

Management of anoperineal lesions in Crohn's disease: a French National Society of Coloproctology national consensus

The French National Society of Coloproctology established national recommendations for the treatment of anoperineal lesions associated with Crohn's disease. Treatment strategies for acute abscesses, active fistulas (active denovo and still active under treatment), fistulas in remission, and rectovaginal fistulas are suggested. Recommendations have been graded following the international recommendations, and when absent, professional agreement has been established. For each situation, practical algorithms have been drawn.

Ambulatory Surgery for Perianal Crohn's Disease: Study of Feasibility

Background

One-third of Crohn's disease (CD) patients present perianal fistula. The gold standard in the diagnosis and treatment of symptomatic perianal disease (PAD) in CD is the exploration of the anal canal and distal rectum under anesthesia (EUA). This procedure is mainly conducted as a day case surgery. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to proceed within the ideal timing and any delay may well represent a relevant clinical issue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of outpatient treatment of symptomatic perianal fistulas in CD patients.

Methods

All CD patients under regular follow-up at our inflammatory bowel disease referral center, presenting with symptomatic perianal fistulas, were offered surgical consultation. The data of patients were prospectively collected for three years (February 2014 to February 2017) for the purpose of the study. All clinical information, including previous EUA and/or records from MRI and endoscopic ultrasound, was included. Outpatient anal canal and distal rectum exploration and treatment (OE) were undertaken during the specialist surgical consultation. Fistulas were classified according to Parks's classification; the type of outpatient treatment and compliance of patients were recorded. Pain was assessed by VAS at the time of the procedure and during the first control. Patients were followed up in the surgical clinic in relation to the study.

Results

Ninety-two CD patients with symptomatic perianal fistulas had surgical consultation during the study period. OE was offered to all but 18 patients who fulfilled the exclusion criteria or had an extremely severe disease; six patients refused the OE (8.11%). Of the 68 patients undergoing OE, eleven (16.18%) had previous surgery for perianal disease. The OE was accomplished in sixty-one patients (89.71%), while in 7 patients, it was abandoned for scarce compliance. Nine patients (14.75%) underwent drainage of perianal abscess; in 3 of them, it was possible to probe the fistula tract, find the internal orifice, and pass a loose seton. Overall, setonage was performed in 50 patients (81.97%). Rectovaginal setons were placed in 3 patients and more than one seton (up to 3) in 6 cases. Fistulotomy was performed in 4 simple subcutaneous fistulous tracts. Concordance with the preoperative findings was found in 54 out of 61 patients. EUA was scheduled at the time of OE for the 7 patients who did not complete the procedure. All sixty-one patients who had the OE were followed up for a minimum of 12 months.

Conclusions

This preliminary study indicates that OE in CD patients with symptomatic perianal fistulas is safe and feasible in a high-volume referral center. It might provide several benefits, including patients' logistics, reduce or remove patients' symptoms and discomfort, allow for a timely start of medical therapy, and avoid further complications.