Outcome of strictureplasty for duodenal Crohn's disease

Abstract

Background: The outcome of strictureplasty for duodenal Crohn's disease has not been critically documented. The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of strictureplasty for duodenal Crohn's disease. Methods: A retrospective review was undertaken of 13 patients who underwent strictureplasty (including four pyloroplasties) for obstructive duodenal Crohn's disease between 1974 and 1997. Results: Ten patients underwent strictureplasty as the primary procedure, and in three strictureplasty was used as a revision procedure after previous bypass surgery. Two patients developed anastomotic breakdown and were treated either by Roux-en-Y duodenojejunostomy or partial gastrectomy. Symptoms of obstruction persisted in four patients after strictureplasty; three eventually resolved after prolonged nasogastric aspiration, but the other required gastrojejunostomy. In the long term, six patients developed restricture at the previous strictureplasty site. Five required repeat strictureplasty and the other patient underwent duodenojejunostomy. One patient who had repeat strictureplasty required a further strictureplasty because of restricture at the previous strictureplasty site. Overall nine of 13 patients required further surgery because of early postoperative complications or restricture at the strictureplasty site. Conclusion: Strictureplasty for duodenal Crohn's disease is associated with a high incidence of postoperative complications and restricture.