RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 How are we managing fistulating perianal Crohn’s disease? Results of a national survey of consultant gastroenterologists JF Frontline Gastroenterology JO Frontline Gastroenterol FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd SP 16 OP 22 DO 10.1136/flgastro-2017-100866 VO 9 IS 1 A1 Matthew James Lee A1 Steven R Brown A1 Nicola S Fearnhead A1 Ailsa Hart A1 Alan J Lobo A1 , YR 2018 UL http://fg.bmj.com/content/9/1/16.abstract AB Objective Fistulating perianal Crohn’s disease represents a significant challenge to both clinicians and patients. This survey set out to describe current practice and variation in the medical management of this condition.Design A survey was designed by an expert group of gastroenterologists and surgeons with an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) interest. The questionnaire aimed to capture opinions from consultant gastroenterologists with a UK practice on the management of acutely symptomatic fistula, assessment of a new fistula presentation, medical management strategies and surgical intervention. The survey was piloted at the British Society of Gastroenterology Clinical Research Group meeting, and distributed at UK gastroenterology meetings.Results There were 111 completed responses (response rate 55%). Following clearance of sepsis, 22.1% of respondents would wait 6 weeks or more before commencing medical therapy. Antibiotics were used by 89.2%, with a variable duration. First-line medical therapy was thiopurine for 48% and antitumour necrosis factor (TNF) for 50% of respondents. These were used in combination by 44.4%. Interval to escalation of therapy (if required) varied from 1 month to a year. Anti-TNF therapies were favoured in deteriorating patients. An IBD multidisciplinary team was accessible to 98%, although only 23.6% routinely discussed these patients. Optimisation strategies for anti-TNF and thiopurines were used by 70% of respondents. Recurrent sepsis, refractory disease and patient choice are indications for surgical referral.Conclusion These results illustrate the huge variation in practice and lack of consensus among physicians for the optimal medical management of perianal Crohn’s disease. There are gaps in knowledge that require targeted research.