Endoscopic treatment of strictures in Crohn's disease

Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2004 Feb;18(1):201-7. doi: 10.1016/j.bpg.2003.08.003.

Abstract

Patients with Crohn's disease often develop (recurring) intestinal stenosis. This is a result of continuous activation of fibrogenic cells by ongoing inflammation. Surgery is usually needed and consists of intestinal resection or strictureplasty. Medical therapy has not proven to be successful. Over the years endoscopic treatment has become more important. Uncomplicated stenosis, with a maximal length of 4 cm, can be treated by balloon dilatation. Indications, procedure and results are discussed. More recently, local corticosteroid injection in addition to balloon dilatation has been studied, but it remains to be seen whether long-term prevention of re-stenosis occurs. Other endoscopic therapies and new developments are also discussed in this chapter.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Catheterization / methods*
  • Crohn Disease / complications*
  • Crohn Disease / diagnosis
  • Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal / methods
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Obstruction / etiology*
  • Intestinal Obstruction / physiopathology
  • Intestinal Obstruction / therapy*
  • Male
  • Risk Assessment
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome