The effect of split ileostomy on perianal Crohn's disease.

The effect of 32 split ileostomies on 29 patients with severe symptomatic perianal Crohn's disease is reported. The perianal disease improved or healed after 23 (72 per cent) split ileostomies, although it relapsed in 2 patients while diverted and in 6 after closure of split ileostomy. Seven of 12 rectovaginal fistulas healed initially but only remained healed in those patients without rectal involvement with disease. At the time of review 6 patients have normal bowel continuity, 8 have had proctocolectomies and 15 are still defunctioned. Split ileostomy should be considered as an initial step in the management of intractable perianal disease.