Gut ulceration, fistulas and inflammation that will not settle
Quick answer
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis involve immune-driven gut inflammation interacting with the microbiome. The best-supported MSC use is local injection for perianal fistulas in Crohn's — a complication that responds poorly to standard treatment.
A perianal fistula is an abnormal tract between bowel and skin causing chronic discharge and a heavy quality-of-life burden. Injecting cells into the tract is performed by a colorectal surgeon — a local application, not an intravenous infusion.
For luminal disease, standard care remains immunomodulators and biologics, with the modern target being endoscopically confirmed mucosal healing rather than symptom relief alone.
Do not stop medication because you feel better: inflammation can continue silently and lead to strictures years later. Monitoring with faecal calprotectin and scheduled endoscopy matters.
Evidence is thinner than for local fistula injection, so it must be judged case by case.
It affects symptoms and nutritional status; plan it with a dietitian.
Last updated: 2026-08-28 · This content is for information only and is not medical advice. Consult a qualified doctor before making treatment decisions.
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