Fistulas

About 30 percent of people living with Crohn’s disease experience fistulas, a complication that may require surgical intervention and affect a person’s well-being. Fistulas occur when a path connects a part of the intestine to another organ, such as the bladder, vagina or skin. Fistulas can occur in the abdomen, the pelvis, or the tissue surrounding the rectum and the anus, referred to as the anorectum.

If you have Crohn’s, it is important to know the complications fistulas may cause and to discuss any developing fistulas with your doctor.

Complications of Fistulas

Sometimes the complications of a fistula can be quite serious, and require immediate medical attention, especially if the fistula forms an abscess, or a collection of pus, near the intestine. An abscess is a pocket of infection that often requires drainage by a medical professional. Cracks or fissures may also develop in the lining of the mucus membrane of the anus.

If you have a fistula and are experiencing symptoms such as fever or abdominal pain, it is important to tell a medical professional because this may be an indication of a more serious condition.

Treatment of Fistulas

The treatment of fistulas depends on their location and size. Some fistulas, such as those that connect two segments of the intestine, may not require treatment, while others, such as fistulas to the bladder or skin, may require the piece of intestine that is the source of the fistula to be removed surgically.

If the fistula is small, medical treatment from your doctor may be able to treat it. Some fistulas can be treated with antibiotics, immune modulators such as azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine, or biologic therapy with agents such as REMICADE® (infliximab). (Please read Important Product Information.)

If you suspect that you have a fistula, it is important to discuss this with your doctor so it can be treated, if necessary.

Top of Page