The Gastroenterologist's Role in Management of Perianal Fistula.

Perianal fistula occurs frequently in the Crohn disease population. Therapy for fistulas has changed through the years from primarily surgical management to multidisciplinary management among gastroenterologists, radiologists, and surgeons. Gastroenterologists play a role in assisting with diagnosis through endoscopic ultrasound and assessment of luminal disease activity, providing medical therapy including biologic therapy and antibiotics, and coordinating the multidisciplinary care with surgical and radiologic colleagues.