title: The Gastroenterologist's Role in Management of Perianal Fistula.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1600 The Vanderbilt Clinic, Nashville, TN 37232-5280, USA.
authors.forename: Robin L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Dalal
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Suite 220, 1211 21st Avenue, Nashville, TN 37232, USA. Electronic address: David.a.schwartz@vanderbilt.edu.
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Schwartz
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001688:Biological Products / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000150:complications*; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal / Q000379:methods*; D019160:Endosonography / Q000379:methods; D000072102:Gastroenterologists; D006801:Humans; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010819:Physician's Role; D012003:Rectal Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D001688:Biological Products
keywords: Combination therapy; Crohn's disease; Fistula; Perianal