Early research finds hope in stem cell therapy for perianal fistulas in patients with Crohn’s disease

A dissolvable plug delivered stem cell therapy with few side effects in patients with single tract perianal fistulas, Mayo Clinic researchers discovered. Perianal fistulas are painful tunnels between the intestine and the skin that often do not go away with standard medical or surgical care. People with Crohn’s disease or other inflammatory bowel conditions are most at risk for this condition.