Possible Causes And Complications Of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Fistulas

Fistulas can sometimes occur in patients who have Crohn's disease. A fistula occurs when an ulcer extends totally through the wall of the intestine. It's the medical term for an abnormal connection forged between two different parts of the body. The most common type of fistula is a perianal fistula, which occurs around or near the anus. Some fistulas become infected, leading to the development of an abscess. Anal fistulas are tunnels that run from the anus to the surrounding skin. They can be repaired through surgical procedures if need be. If the fistula becomes infected, which is likely if it occurs in the anal area, it will lead to a swollen pocket of liquid and infected tissue.