ABSTRACT
Perianal fistula is a predictor of long⁃term poor prognosis in patients with Crohn’s disease, and perianal fistulizing Crohn’s disease (pfCD) seriously affects the quality of life of patients. The treatment of pfCD advocates a combination of surgery and drug therapy. The advent of biologic agents, especially TNF⁃α agents, has greatly changed the prognosis of patients with pfCD. In recent years, some new biological agents and mesenchymal stem cells have also been shown to contribute to the remission of the disease. For complex perianal fistula, preservation of sphincter has greatly reduced postoperative complications such as urinary incontinence, bringing new hope to pfCD patients. This article reviewed the progress in research on the diagnosis and treatment of pfCD.