We are excited to announce the launch of the CRAFT study, a new international audit and cohort study on cryptoglandular anal fistula.

This collaborative effort brings together the European Society of Coloproctology (ESCP), the research teams of the University of Birmingham, UK, and of the University of Maastricht, the Netherlands.

This study was officially launched at the ESCP conference in Thessaloniki, Greece (please find the attached presentation for details).

This observational study aims to investigate the associations between patient demographics, diagnostic approaches, treatment modalities, and outcomes (clinician reported and patient reported) in real-world clinical settings.

This will be a big opportunity to heighten the evidence level in future guidelines.

We are currently in the process of spreading the word and obtaining local approvals.
To date, more than 300 hospitals across nearly 60 countries have expressed interest, with around 90 hospitals confirmed as participants.
All contributors will be recognized as co-authors, with the publication indexed in PubMed (see the attached flyer).
Would you be interested in collaborating on this study, scan the QR code!

The ASCRS Corporate Council's support has enabled us to create special scholarships to increase young physician engagement for our global partners in 2025. ASCRS is offering one award of $1,250.00 for each of our 2025 Annual Meeting partners to increase the engagement of young surgeons with 10 years or less of practice experience. Award winners will receive complimentary registration to the 2025 ASCRS Annual Meeting in San Diego, California, and $1,250 to help offset travel expenses to attend the meeting. The award monies will be sent following participation in the 2025 Annual Meeting.