Diagnosis and Treatment of Anorectal Lesions in Crohn's Disease

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Anorectal lesions in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) are difficult to manage because of frequent recurrences and complications. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between anorectal lesions and CD and to analyze the methods of management and the results of anorectal lesions. METHODS: The records of 33 patients with CD who had anorectal lesions, who visited our institution from July 2001 to June 2007, were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: CDs involving the small and the large bowel in 24 patients, the small bowel in 4 patients, the large bowel in 4 patients, and only the anorectum in 1 patient. Twenty-two patients (75.9%) were diagnosed as CD with unusual anorectal findings: unhealed wound or delayed healing of wound after the initial anal operation, multiple ulcers or fissures, broad based or friable fistula tract, non-cryptoglandular type of fistula, multiple fistula tracts, and recurrent or concurrent fistula. The predominant type of anorectal lesion was a perianal fistula (28 patients, 84.8%). Twelve out of 45 anal specimens (26.7%) showed noncaseating epithelioid granulomas, characteristic findings of CD. Conservative treatment was performed in 7 patients (21.2%), anorectal operations in 26 patients (78.8%). Twelve of those 26 patients underwent multiple operations. Anorectal operations were performed as follows incision and drainage (8), fistulotomy or fistulectomy (17), muscle-preserving surgery (7), seton drainage (12), and modified Hanley's procedure (1). All anorectal operations, except those for an abscess, were performed after induction of remission of the CD. Satisfactory results were achieved in 29 patients (87.9%). CONCLUSION: In patients with unusual anorectal lesions, a diagnostic work-up for CD should be performed. Anorectal lesions with CD may be properly managed using several different methods, depending on the anorectal conditions and the activity of the CD.