Stricturoplasty in Crohn’s Disease

Abstract

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that-unlike ulcerative colitis (UC)-can involve any part of the gastrointestinal tract. CD should primarily be managed medically because it is not curable by surgical techniques. Surgery is frequently required for complications of CD, including obstruction, fistula, malignancy, hemorrhage, and perforation. Patients who undergo multiple operations are at risk of developing short gut syndrome, which has an enormous impact on quality of life and serious morbidity and mortality. This chapter describes bowel-preserving surgical techniques to address Crohn’s strictures. Indication, pitfalls and danger points, preoperative preparation, postoperative care, and complications are all discussed. Details of operative strategy and technique are included.