Perianal disease in inflammatory bowel disease:Broadening treatment and surveillance strategies for anal cancer

The perianal disease affects up to one-third of individuals with Crohn's disease(CD),causing disabling symptoms and significant impairment in quality of life,particularly for those with perianal fistulising CD(PFCD).The collaborative effort between gastroenterologists and surgeons is essential for addressing PFCD to achieve fistula closure and promote luminal healing.Limited fistula healing rates with conventional therapies have prompted the emergence of new biological agents,endoscopic procedures and surgical techniques that show promising results.Among these,mesenchymal stem cells injection is a particularly hopeful therapy.In addition to the burden of fistulas,individuals with perianal CD may face an increased risk of developing anal cancer.This underscores the importance of surveillance programmes and timely interventions to prevent late diagnoses and poor outcomes.Currently,there is no established formal anal screening programme.In this review,we provide an overview of the current state of the art in managing PFCD,including novel medical,endoscopic and surgical approaches.The discussion also focuses on the relevance of establishing an anal cancer screening programme in CD,intending to propose a risk-based surveillance algorithm.The validation of this surveillance programme would be a significant step forward in improving patient care and outcomes.

Establishment of a surveillance program for anal cancer in Crohn's disease

This letter discusses the incidence of anal cancer among Crohn's disease(CD)-related malignancies.Patients with CD have been demonstrated to be at a higher risk of developing small bowel and colorectal cancers than healthy individuals.Although CD-associated anal cancer is relatively rare,patients with CD accom-panied by anal or perianal lesions are at increased risk of anal cancer.Addi-tionally,compared to ulcerative colitis,which is also an inflammatory disease,CD-related anal cancer is often detected at an advanced stage owing to the complexity of CD and is associated with a poor prognosis with frequent local recurrences.Therefore,the detection of early-stage cancer is crucial for improving the prognosis.However,the surveillance methods recommended for CD-related malignancies in the United States and Europe are similar to those for ulcerative colitis.They are not appropriate for detecting CD-related malignancies in the recto-anal region.Therefore,there is an urgent need for surveillance programs aimed at the early detection of malignant anorectal lesions in patients with CD.

Long-term outcome of infliximab combined with surgery for perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease

AIM:To evaluate the efficacy and long-term outcome of infliximab combined with surgery to treat perianal fistulizing Crohn’s disease(CD).METHODS:The work was performed as a prospective study.All patients received infliximab combined withsurgery to treat perianal fistulizing CD,which was followed by an immunosuppressive agent as maintenance therapy.RESULTS:A total of 28 patients with perianal fistulizing CD were included.At week 30,89.3%(25/28)of the patients were clinically cured with an average healing time of 31.4 d.The CD activity index decreased to70.07±77.54 from 205.47±111.13(P<0.01)after infliximab treatment.The perianal CD activity index was decreased to 0.93±2.08 from 8.54±4.89(P<0.01).C-reactive protein,erythrocyte sedimentation rate,platelets,and neutrophils all decreased significantly compared with the pretreatment levels(P<0.01).Magnetic resonance imaging results for 16 patients after therapy showed that one patient had a persistent presacral-rectal fistula and another still had a cavity without clinical symptoms at follow-up.After a median follow-up of 26.4 mo(range:14-41 mo),96.4%(27/28)of the patients had a clinical cure.CONCLUSION:Infliximab combined with surgery is effective and safe in the treatment of perianal fistulizing CD,and this treatment was associated with better longterm outcomes.

Botulinum toxin injections after surgery for Hirschsprung disease:Systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND A large proportion of patients with Hirschsprung disease experience persistent obstructive symptoms after corrective surgery.Persistent obstructive symptoms may result in faecal stasis that can develop into Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis,a potential life-threatening condition.Important treatment to improve faecal passage is internal anal sphincter relaxation using botulinum toxin injections.AIM To give an overview of all empirical evidence on the effectiveness of botulinum toxin injections in patients with Hirschsprung disease.METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis was done by searching PubMed,EMBASE and the Cochrane Library,using entry terms related to:(1)Hirschsprung disease;and(2)Botulinum toxin injections.14 studies representing 278 patients met eligibility criteria.Data that were extracted were proportion of patients with improvement of obstructive symptoms or less enterocolitis after injection,proportion of patients with adverse effects and data on type botulinum toxin,mean dose,average age at first injection and patients with associated syndromes.Random-effects meta-analysis was used to aggregate effects and random-effects meta-regression was used to test for possible confounding factors.RESULTS Botulinum toxin injections are effective in treating obstructive symptoms in on average 66%of patients[event rate(ER)=0.66,P=0.004,I2=49.5,n=278 patients].Type of botulinum toxin,average dose,average age at first injections and proportion of patients with associated syndromes were not predictive for this effect.Mean 7 duration of improvement after one botulinum toxin injections was 6.4 mo and patients needed on average 2.6 procedures.There was a significant higher response rate within one month after botulinum toxin injections compared to more than one month after Botulinum toxin injections(ER=0.79,vs ER=0.46,Q=19.37,P<0.001).Botulinum toxin injections were not effective in treating enterocolitis(ER 0.58,P=0.65,I2=71.0,n=52 patients).There were adverse effects in on average 17%of patients(ER=0.17,P<0.001,I2=52.1,n=187 patients),varying from temporary incontinence to mild anal pain.CONCLUSION Findings from this systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that botulinum toxin injections are effective in treating obstructive symptoms and that adverse effects were present,but mild and temporary.

Transcutaneous perianal sonography:A sensitive method for the detection of perianal inflammatory lesions in Crohn's disease

AIM:Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)and endoanal ultrasound which are established imaging methods for perianal inflammatory lesions in patients with Crohn's disease require expensive specialized equipments and expertise.We investigated the feasibility and sensitivity of transcutaneous perianal ultrasound(PAUS)using regular ultrasound probes in the imaging of perianal inflammatory lesions.The sonographic findings were correlated to pelvic MR]-scans. METHODS:We performed PAUS in 25 patients with Crohn's disease and clinical signs of perianal inflammatory disease. Wibhin a median of 10 d(range 0-75)these patients underwent MRI of the pelvis.Regular convex and linear high resolution probes were used for PAUS.The sonographic findings were correlated to the MRI findings by blinded investigators. RESULTS:The sonographic investigations were well tolerated by all patients.Fistulae typically presented as hypoechoic tracks.Twenty-nine fistulae were detected in 22 patients.Abscesses were detected in 7 patients and presented as hypo-or anechoic formations.Twenty-six of 29 fistulae and 6 of 7 abscesses could be confirmed by MRI.Kappa statistics showed an excellent agreement (kappa>0.83)between the two imaging methods. CONCLUSION:PAUS is a simple,painless,feasible,real- time method that can be performed without specific patient preparation which is comparable in its sensitivity to pelvic MRI in the detection of perianal fistulae and/or abscesses. PAUS can especially be recommended as a screening tool in acute perianal disorders such as perianal abscess and for follow-up studies of perianal inflammatory disease.

Treatment of peri-anal fistula in Crohn's disease

Anal fistulas are a common manifestation of Crohn's disease(CD). The first manifestation of the disease is often in the peri-anal region, which can occur years before a diagnosis, particularly in CD affecting the colon and rectum. The treatment of peri-anal fistulas is difficult and always multidisciplinary. The European guidelines recommend combined surgical and medical treatment with biologic drugs to achieve best results. Several different surgical techniques are currently em-ployed. However, at the moment, none of these tech-niques appear superior to the others in terms of healing rate. Surgery is always indicated to treat symptomatic, simple, low intersphincteric fistulas refractory to medi-cal therapy and those causing disabling symptoms. Ut-most attention should be paid to correcting the balance between eradication of the fistula and the preservationof fecal continence.

Magnetic resonance imaging may predict deep remission in patients with perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease

To evaluate the imaging course of Crohn’s disease (CD) patients with perianal fistulas on long-term maintenance anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α therapy and identify predictors of deep remission.METHODSAll patients with perianal CD treated with anti-TNF-α therapy at our tertiary care center were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical assessment. Two MR examinations were performed: at initiation of anti-TNF-α treatment and then at least 2 years after. Clinical assessment (remission, response and non-response) was based on Present’s criteria. Rectoscopic patterns, MRI Van Assche score, and MRI fistula activity signs (T2 signal and contrast enhancement) were collected for the two MR examinations. Fistula healing was defined as the absence of T2 hyperintensity and contrast enhancement on MRI. Deep remission was defined as the association of both clinical remission, absence of anal canal ulcers and healing on MRI. Characteristics and imaging patterns of patients with and without deep remission were compared by univariate and multivariate analyses.RESULTSForty-nine consecutive patients (31 females and 18 males) were included. They ranged in age from 14-70 years (mean, 33 years). MRI and clinical assessment were performed after a mean period of exposure to anti-TNF-α therapy of 40 ± 3.7 mo. Clinical remission, response and non-response were observed in 53.1%, 20.4%, and 26.5% of patients, respectively. Deep remission was observed in 32.7% of patients. Among the 26 patients in clinical remission, 10 had persisting inflammation of fistulas on MRI (T2 hyperintensity, n = 7; contrast enhancement, n = 10). Univariate analysis showed that deep remission was associated with the absence of rectal involvement and the absence of switch of anti-TNF-α treatment or surgery requirement. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that only the absence of rectal involvement (OR = 4.6; 95%CI: 1.03-20.5) was associated with deep remission.CONCLUSIONDeep remission is achieved in approximately one third of patients on maintenance anti-TNF-α therapy. Absence of rectal involvement is predictive of deep remission.

Stem cell injection for complex anal fistula in Crohn’s disease: A single-center experience

BACKGROUND Despite tremendous progress in medical therapy and optimization of surgical strategies,considerable failure rates after surgery for complex anal fistula in Crohn’s disease have been reported.Therefore,stem cell therapy for the treatment of complex perianal fistula can be an innovative option with potential long-term healing.AIM To evaluate the results of local administration of allogenic,adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells(darvadstrocel)for complex anal Crohn’s fistula.METHODS All patients with complex anal fistulas associated with Crohn’s disease who were amenable for definite fistula closure within a defined observation period were potential candidates for stem cell injection(darvadstrocel)if at least one conventional or surgical attempt to close the fistula had failed.Darvadstrocel was only indicated in patients without active Crohn’s disease and without presence of anorectal abscess.Local injection of darvadstrocel was performed as a standardized procedure under general anesthesia including single-shot antibiotic prophylaxis,removal of seton drainage,fistula curettage,closure of the internal openings and local stem cell injection.Data collection focusing on healing rates,occurrence of abscess and follow-up was performed on a regular basis of quality control and patient care.Data were retrospectively analyzed.RESULTS Between July 2018 and January 2021,12 patients(6 females,6 males)with a mean age of 42.5(range:26-61)years underwent stem cell therapy.All patients had a minimum of one complex fistula,including patients with two complex fistulas in 58.3%(7/12).Two of the 12 patients had horse-shoe fistula and 3 had one complex fistula.According to Parks classification,the majority of fistulas were transsphincteric(76%)or suprasphincteric(14%).All patients underwent removal of seton,fistula curettage,transanal closure of internal opening by suture(11/12)or mucosal flap(1/12)and stem cell injection.At a mean follow-up of 14.3(range:3-30)mo,a healing rate was documented in 66.7%(8/12);mean duration to achieve healing was 12(range:6-30)wk.Within follow-up,4 patients required reoperation due to perianal abscess(33.3%).Focusing on patients with a minimum follow-up of 12 mo(6/12)or 24 mo(4/12),long-term healing rates were 66.7%(4/6)and 50.0%(2/4),respectively.CONCLUSION Data of this single-center experience are promising but limited due to the small number of patients and the retrospective analysis.

Comparison of cytokine and phosphoprotein profiles in idiopathic and Crohn’s disease-related perianal fistula

BACKGROUND Perianal fistulae are either primary(idiopathic)or secondary[commonly associated with Crohn’s disease,(CD)].It is assumed,although not proven,that the pathophysiology differs.AIM To systematically compare the clinical phenotypes,cytokine and phosphoprotein profiles of idiopathic and CD-related perianal fistulae.METHODS Sixty-one patients undergoing surgery for perianal fistula were prospectively recruited(48 idiopathic,13 CD)into a cohort study.Clinical data,including the Perineal Disease Activity Index(PDAI)and EQ-5D-5L were collected.Biopsies of the fistula tract,granulation tissue,internal opening mucosa and rectal mucosa were obtained at surgery.Concentrations of 30 cytokines and 39 phosphoproteins were measured in each biopsy using a magnetic bead multiplexing instrument and a chemiluminescent antibody array respectively.Over 12000 clinical and 23500 laboratory measurements were made.RESULTS The PDAI was significantly higher(indicating more active disease)in the CD group with a mean difference of 2.40(95%CI:0.52-4.28,P=0.01).Complex pathoanatomy was more prevalent in the CD group,namely more multiple fistulae,supralevator extensions,collections and rectal thickening.The IL-12p70 concentration at the internal opening specimen site was significantly higher(median difference 19.7 pg/mL,99%CI:0.2-40.4,P=0.008)and the IL-1RA/IL-1βratio was significantly lower in the CD group at the internal opening specimen site(median difference 15.0,99%CI=0.4-50.5,P=0.008).However in the remaining 27 cytokines and all 39 of the phosphoproteins across the four biopsy sites,no significant differences were found between the groups.CONCLUSION CD-related perianal fistulae are more clinically severe and anatomically complex than idiopathic perianal fistulae.However,overall there are no major differences in cytokine and phosphoprotein profiles.

Diagnostic performance of texture analysis in the differential diagnosis of perianal fistulising Crohn’s disease and glandular anal fistula

BACKGROUND Perianal fistulising Crohn's disease(PFCD)and glandular anal fistula have many similarities on conventional magnetic resonance imaging.However,many patients with PFCD show concomitant active proctitis,but only few patients with glandular anal fistula have active proctitis.AIM To explore the value of differential diagnosis of PFCD and glandular anal fistula by comparing the textural feature parameters of the rectum and anal canal in fat suppression T2-weighted imaging(FS-T2WI).METHODS Patients with rectal water sac implantation were screened from the first part of this study(48 patients with PFCD and 22 patients with glandular anal fistula).Open-source software ITK-SNAP(Version 3.6.0,http://www.itksnap.org/)was used to delineate the region of interest(ROI)of the entire rectum and anal canal wall on every axial section,and then the ROIs were input in the Analysis Kit software(version V3.0.0.R,GE Healthcare)to calculate the textural feature parameters.Textural feature parameter differences of the rectum and anal canal wall between the PFCD group vs the glandular anal fistula group were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test.The redundant textural parameters were screened by bivariate Spearman correlation analysis,and binary logistic regression analysis was used to establish the model of textural feature parameters.Finally,diagnostic accuracy was assessed by receiver operating characteristic-area under the curve(AUC)analysis.RESULTS In all,385 textural parameters were obtained,including 37 parameters with statistically significant differences between the PFCD and glandular anal fistula groups.Then,16 texture feature parameters remained after bivariate Spearman correlation analysis,including one histogram parameter(Histogram energy);four grey level co-occurrence matrix(GLCM)parameters(GLCM energy_all direction_offset1_SD,GLCM entropy_all direction_offset4_SD,GLCM entropy_all direction_offset7_SD,and Haralick correlation_all direction_offset7_SD);four texture parameters(Correlation_all direction_offset1_SD,cluster prominence_angle 90_offset4,Inertia_all direction_offset7_SD,and cluster shade_angle 45_offset7);five grey level run-length matrix parameters(grey level nonuniformity_angle 90_offset1,grey level nonuniformity_all direction_offset4_SD,long run high grey level emphasis_all direction_offset1_SD,long run emphasis_all direction_offset4_SD,and long run high grey level emphasis_all direction_offset4_SD);and two form factor parameters(surface area and maximum 3D diameter).The AUC,sensitivity,and specificity of the model of textural feature parameters were 0.917,85.42%,and 86.36%,respectively.CONCLUSION The model of textural feature parameters showed good diagnostic performance for PFCD.The texture feature parameters of the rectum and anal canal in FS-T2WI are helpful to distinguish PFCD from glandular anal fistula.

Mucinous carcinoma in Crohn's disease originating in a fistulous tract

Malignant disease,including mucinous carcinomas of the colorectum,may complicate long-standing Crohn’s disease.An 18-year-old male with extensive small and large bowel involvement with Crohn’s disease developed recurrent peri-rectal fistulous disease that persisted for more than a decade despite pharmacological and surgical therapy as well as later therapy with biological agents. Eventually,an extensive and difficult-to-detect mucinous carcinoma developed in the fistulous tract.Although fistula cancer is rarely described in Crohn’s disease,use of immunosuppressant and biological agents may play an initiating or exacerbating role in its development or progression.As potent biological agents are frequently used, often to avoid surgical treatment,clinicians should have an increasingly high index of suspicion for this potential complication,especially if fistulous drainage persists and remains refractory to medical therapy.

Role of wireless capsule endoscopy in the follow-up of inflammatory bowel disease

The introduction of wireless capsule endoscopy in 2000 has revolutionized our ability to visualize parts of the small bowel mucosa classically unreached by the conventional endoscope, and since the recent introduction of colon capsule endoscopy, a promising alternative method has been available for the evaluation of large bowel mucosa. The advantages of wireless capsule endoscopy include its non-invasive character and its ability to visualize proximal and distal parts of the intestine, while important disadvantages include the procedure's inability of tissue sampling and significant incompletion rate. Its greatest limitation is the prohibited use in cases of known or suspected stenosis of the intestinal lumen due to high risk of retention. Wireless capsule endoscopy plays an important role in the early recognition of recurrence, on Crohn's disease patients who have undergone ileocolonic resection for the treatment of Crohn's disease complications, and in patients' management and therapeutic strategy planning, before obvious clinical and laboratory relapse. Although capsule endoscopy cannot replace traditional endoscopy, it offers valuable information on the evaluation of intestinal disease and has a significant impact on disease reclassification of patients with a previous diagnosis of ulcerative colitis or inflammatory bowel disease unclassified/indeterminate colitis. Moreover, it may serve as an effective alternative where colonoscopy is contraindicated and in cases with incomplete colonoscopy studies. The use of patency capsule maximizes safety and is advocated in cases of suspected small or large bowel stenosis.

Haemorrhoidal Disease in Cotonou: Epidemiological, Clinical and Anuscopic Aspects

The haemorrhoidal disease is a very common disorder in proctology. It is favoured by many factors. Although benign, its treatment is difficult. Our aim is to study the epidemiological, clinical and anuscopic of haemorrhoidal disease. This was a cross sectional, descriptive and prospective study covering a three-month period from 06 January 2014 to 10 April 2014. It involved patients seen in gastroenterology consultation in internal medicine of the National Teaching Hospital of Cotonou and in the digestive diseases Unit of the Hospital of Menontin. We recorded 182 patients including 57 cases of haemorrhoidal disease, a prevalence of 31.3%. The sex ratio was 1.10. The average age was 43 years with extremes of 18 and 88 years. Anal events were dominated by rectal bleeding (54.4%) with a predominance of internal haemorrhoidal disease (87.7%). Stage 2 evolution of the disease was the most represented (65.4%). Haemorrhoidal disease is a common disorder seen mainly in actively producing people (young adult) with a male predominance.

Anal Pathologies: What Management at the Reference Health Center of Bamako’s Commune V?

Anal pathologies are conditions affecting the anal margin and the anal canal. The aim of our study was to update data on anal diseases. Non-specific, it can reveal an emergency, a serious illness, a chronic disease or a benign condition. It was a prospective, descriptive and analytical study from April 2022 to March 2023, carried out in the hepato-gastroenterology unit of the Centre de Santé de Référence de la commune V du District de Bamako in Mali. Out of seven hundred and forty-nine (749) patients seen in consultation, 98 had anal pathology, i.e. a prevalence of 13.08%. The mean age was 40 ± 15.15 years and the sex ratio was 1.5. Hemorrhoidal disease and anal fissure were the most frequent pathologies in 66.4% and 24.4% of cases respectively. Medical treatment was initiated in 91.9% of patients with hemorrhoidal disease and 91.7% with anal fissure. Anal pathologies are common in young male patients. In our context, they are dominated by benign conditions.

Extramammary Paget’s Disease Manifested by Intraepithelial Adenocarcinoma of the Vulva and Anus Combined with Invasive Adenocarcinoma of the Ampullary Part of the Rectum

The Object of the Study: The author of the given paper describes an unusual combination of two diseases: extramammary Paget’s disease manifested by intraepithelial adenocarcinoma of the vulva and anus combined with invasive adenocarcinoma of the ampullary part of the rectum and describes the atypical manifestations of these diseases. The Content: The content of this research paper includes a description of the patient, an analysis of the clinical picture, diagnostic methods and therapeutic interventions used, a report of the following disease, and the result of the presented case. The Result of the Research Work: The result of the research work is the analysis of a clinical case with two different tumors, where such a combination of tumors is rarely described in the literature. Moreover, no large specific sample with this combination of diseases is available. Patient Characteristics: The given case report describes a patient of the Palliative Care Unit of the Gerontology Clinic with a primary diagnosis of C20-rectal adenocarcinoma in the background of the anal canal, perineal skin Paget’s disease, stage IV. The presented complications of the patient’s primary diagnosis are multiple metastases in the liver;status post palliative chemotherapy;hepatomegaly;metastases to abdominal lymph nodes, inguinal lymph nodes;metastases at Th12, L4 level;pain syndrome. The presented above combination of diagnosed diseases is very rare. Applied Diagnostics: In October 2021, it was performed diagnostic manipulation: biopsy and the pathologist have provided a microscopic description. The first tissue fragment had a pronounced electrothermal lesion and the epithelial structures were not valuable. The second skin tissue fragment was covered with hyperplastic and acanthotic epithelium;its basal and middle layers contained multiple large cells proliferates extending into the medial epidermis, and the cytoplasm of these cells reacted positively with PAS (Periodic Acid Schiff reaction). It needs to be noted that the patient had previously had several years of biopsies from the perineal and anal epidermis, where Paget’s disease had also been diagnosed. The performed immunohistochemistry showed these cells to be CK20 positive, CK7 rare positive and p16 negative. The following pathohistological findings were made: morphological and immunohistochemical picture is consistent with Paget’s disease. According to the ICD-10, the patient was diagnosed with C51 malignant neoplasm of the female external genitalia. Using imaging diagnostics, it became clear that the patient’s rectal adenocarcinoma had progressed to metastatic stage with distant liver metastases in the background of anal canal, perineal skin Paget’s disease. Therapeutic Plan of the Patient: Based on the patient’s main diagnoses, the complications of the principal diagnosis, the patient’s overall severe condition, pain syndrome, age and comorbidities, palliative chemotherapy was approved as a therapeutic option in council of doctors. Monitoring and Outcome of the Patient: The patient’s general condition was becoming worse over time, and she was diagnosed with exitus latalis in December 2022. At that time, the patient was discharged from hospital and was on palliative care at home under the control of her family physician.

Prevalence of anal fistula in the United Kingdom

BACKGROUND Anal fistula is a pathological connection between the anal canal and perianal skin, which most commonly develops from an infected anal crypt. While the majority of anal fistulas are idiopathic, they are also associated with Crohn’s disease (CD) and other inflammatory conditions. The prevalence of anal fistula is estimated to be 1-2 per 10000 patients, but population-based studies on anal fistula epidemiology are limited and outdated. AIM To assess the prevalence of anal fistula and relevant comorbidities, with and without CD in the United Kingdom and Europe. METHODS A retrospective population-representative observational cohort study was performed in The Health Improvement Network (THIN), a United Kingdom primary care database. Mid-year point prevalence of anal fistula was calculated on the first of July for each year between 2014 and 2017. Estimates were calculated for anal fistula overall and by CD status and standardized to the United Kingdom and European population. Prevalence of relevant comorbidities including lymphogranuloma venereum, hidradenitis suppurativa, anal presentation of sexually transmitted diseases, diabetes mellitus, and radiation in the pelvic area was reported. RESULTS The United Kingdom-standardized overall point prevalence of anal fistula was 1.80 (95%CI: 1.65-1.94) per 10000 patients in 2017, while the Europe standardized estimate was 1.83 (95%CI: 1.68-1.98) per 10000 patients. Both these standardized point prevalence estimates ranged from 1.89 to 2.36 between 2014-2016. The United Kingdom-standardized point prevalence of anal fistula without CD was 1.35 (95%CI: 1.23-1.48) per 10000 patients, while the Europe-standardized estimate was 1.39 (95%CI: 1.26-1.52) per 10000 patients. In contrast, the standardized point prevalence estimate of anal fistula with CD was lower for both United Kingdom and Europe (0.44;95%CI United Kingdom: 0.37-0.52, 95%CI Europe: 0.37-0.51) per 10000 patients in 2017. In 2017, 19% of anal fistula patients without CD and 13% of anal fistula patients with CD had at least one relevant comorbidity. These results show that anal fistulas are infrequent in the general population. 24.5% of prevalent anal fistulas are associated with CD, but other potentially etiological comorbidities are rare. CONCLUSION This real-world evidence study estimated the United Kingdom-standardized prevalence of anal fistula was 1.80 per 10000 patients in 2017. Approximately 25% of cases may be associated with CD, while other comorbidities are rare.

Identifying the best therapy for chronic anal fissure

Chronic anal fissure(CAF)is a painful tear or crack which occurs in the anoderm.The optimal algorithm of therapy for CAF is still debated.Lateral internal sphincterotomy(LIS)is a surgical treatment,considered as the'gold standard'therapy for CAF.It relieves CAF symptoms with a high rate of healing.Chemical sphincterotomy(CS)with nitrates,calcium blockers or botulinum toxin(BTX)is safe,with the rapid relief of pain,mild sideeffects and no risk of surgery or anesthesia,but is a statistically less effective therapy for CAF than LIS.This article considers if aggressive treatment should only be offered to patients who fail pharmacological sphincterotomy.Aspects of anal fissure etiology,epidemiology and pathophysiology are considered with their meaning for further management of CAF.A molecular model of chemical interdependence significant for the chemistry of CAF healing is examined.Its application may influence the development of optimal therapy for CAF.BTX is currently considered the most effective type of CS and discussion in this article scrutinizes this method specifically.Although the effectiveness of BTXvs LIS has been discussed,the essential focus of the article concerns identifying the best therapy application for anal fissure.Elements are presented which may help us to predict CAF healing.They provide rationale for the expansion of the CAF therapy algorithm.Ethical and economic factors are also considered in brief.As long as the patient is willing to accept the potential risk of fecal incontinence,we have grounds for the'gold standard'(LIS)as the first-line treatment for CAF.The author concludes that,when the diagnosis of the anal fissure is established,CS should be considered for both ethical and economic reasons.He is convinced that a greater understanding and recognition of benign anal disorders by the GP and a proactive involvement at the point of initial diagnosis would facilitate the consideration of CS at an earlier,more practical stage with improved outcomes for the patient.

Botulinum toxin for chronic anal fissure after biliopancreatic diversion for morbid obesity

AIM: To study the effect of botulinum toxin in patients with chronic anal fissure after biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) for severe obesity. METHODS: Fifty-nine symptomatic adults with chronic anal fissure developed after BPD were enrolled in an open label study. The outcome was evaluated clinically and by comparing the pressure of the anal sphincters before and after treatment. All data were analyzed in univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Two months after treatment, 65.4% of the patients had a healing scar. Only one patient had mild incontinence to flatus that lasted 3 wk after treatment, but this disappeared spontaneously. In the multivariate analysis of the data, two registered months after the treatment, sex (P = 0.01), baseline resting anal pressure (P = 0.02) and resting anal pressure 2 mo after treatment (P < 0.0001) were significantly related to healing rate.CONCLUSION: Botulinum toxin, despite worse results than in non-obese individuals, appears the best alternative to surgery for this group of patients with a high risk of incontinence.

Fecal diversion in complex anal fistulas:Is there a way to avoid it?

Temporary fecal diversion by a diverting colostomy or ileostomy is occasionally performed for serious complex fistulas.The main indications are highly complex and extensive cryptoglandular anal fistula,anal fistula associated with severe anorectal Crohn’s disease,recurrent rectovaginal fistula,radiation-induced fistula and anal fistula with associated necrotizing fasciitis.The purpose of stoma formation is to divert the fecal stream away from the anorectum and the perianal region so as to control the infective process and prevent trauma to the operated repaired tissues.Once the fistula has healed,the diverting stoma is closed.However,two questions are relevant.First,is it certain that the same disease would not relapse(or the fistula would not recur)once the colostomy is closed?Second,is there a non-surgical method which can obviate the need for a diverting colostomy?An attempt is made to answer both these questions in this review.

难治性克罗恩病肛瘘合并严重感染的成功管理经验总结(1例报告)

目的总结1例克罗恩病肛瘘合并肛周脓肿的重症患者的治疗与护理经验。方法回顾性分析中山大学孙逸仙纪念医院消化内科收治1例克罗恩病肛瘘合并肛周脓肿患者的临床治疗资料。结果患者经内科治疗与护理65天后情况好转出院。结论克罗恩病合并肛瘘、肛周脓肿,临床治疗棘手,治疗成功的关键在于多学科联合治疗及个体化管理措施。