Stem Cells Treatment of Complex Crohn's Anal Fistula

Stem cells therapy in the management of soft tissue healing has been shown to be safe and feasible with encouraging short-term results both for crypto glandular and Crohns anal fistula. The long-term results are still insufficient but based on only a few studies conducted with small patient series and various techniques and type of stem cells. In the present study the patient's own adipose tissue derived regenerative cells (ADRCs) will be used. Traditionally the stem cells are injected into the fistula tract; however survival and retaining the stem cells in the fistula tract is problematic. Alternatively, one may apply stem cells enriched fatty tissue around and into the fistula tract. The aim of this project is to develop a method for treatment of patients with Crohns fistula. The results of conventional surgery are disappointing and followed by a high degree of recurrence and complications.