Fistula Surgery

Fistula Surgery

Fistulas form when inflammation causes sores, or ulcers, to form on the inside wall of the intestine or nearby organs. Those ulcers can extend through the entire thickness of the bowel wall, creating a tunnel to drain the pus from the infected area. An abcess, or a collection of pus, can also cause a fistula to form.
The most common types of fistulas in Crohn’s disease patients form between two parts of the intestine, between the intestine and another organ, such as the bladder or vagina, or through to the skin surface. Women with Crohn’s disease can also develop a fistula between the rectum and vagina, which may be difficult to treat. Surgical treatment depends on individual circumstances.