Entero-enteric fistula complicating Crohn's disease

Abstract

We have reviewed our experience with, and management of, entero-enteric fistula in Crohn's disease between 1970 and 1980 (inclusive). Thirty-three patients (20 of them female) came to our unit with entero-enteric fistulas, representing one-third of all Crohn's fistulas seen during those years. Entero-enteric fistulas gave few symptoms and their precise identification was not important in clinical management. The presence of the fistula itself is not an indication for operation and treatment should be directed towards the active or stenotic disease and not to the entero-enteric fistula. Therefore, radiological examination is important only to identify the extent of underlying disease.