ILLUSTRATED PATIENT GUIDE
Fistulas and strictures in Crohn’s disease
These complications occur in some patients; they are not inevitable.
- 1 · Fistula
An abnormal tunnel linking bowel to another bowel segment, another organ or skin. This example connects two bowel segments. A fistula can also occur around the anus; it differs from an anal fissure.
- 2 · Stricture
A narrowed bowel segment caused by inflammation, scarring or both, which may obstruct passage.
Severe pain with swelling, vomiting or inability to pass gas needs urgent assessment. Painful anal swelling with fever may indicate an abscess.
© 2026 Dr. Ibrahim Albedaiwi · Original patient illustrations