What are fistulas and abscesses?
Fistulas are hollow tracts running from a part of one organ (such as the colon) to other organs, adjacent loops of bowel, and or the skin. They occur in CD as a result of deep ulceration. Fistulas between loops of bowel can interfere with nutrient absorption. This is especially true for fistulas between the small and large bowel.
Fistulas are hollow tracts running from a part of one organ (such as the colon) to other organs, adjacent loops of bowel, and or the skin. They occur in CD as a result of deep ulceration. Fistulas between loops of bowel can interfere with nutrient absorption. This is especially true for fistulas between the small and large bowel. Fistulas can also become infected forming abscesses. Abscesses are collections of pus that may be accompanied by significant pain, and which can become life threatening emergencies. Simple treatment of abscesses resulting from fistulas can sometimes be accomplished via a procedure called “incision and drainage” (I/D), in which an incision is made, through which the abscess is drained. However this procedure does not deal with the underlying fistula which gave rise to the problem. Accordingly, a more elaborate procedure, known as a fistulectomy, is usually necessary for more definitive treatment. Fistulas are relatively common in CD patients and are very rare i
