Endoscopic stricturotomy is an efficacious option for management of strictures in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract

Background: Strictures are a common complication for patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Endoscopic stricturotomy (ESt) is a novel procedure for treatment of these strictures. Methods: A chart review was performed for patients with strictures who underwent ESt. Results: Eleven patients were included in the study and the total number of strictures treated was 12. The mean length of the strictures was 10.25 ± 4.36 mm. Technical success was achieved in 92% (n = 11) of the procedures. Postprocedural bleeding occurred in 9% (n = 1) of patients, and none of the patients had complications of infection or perforation. Conclusions: ESt is a safe technique with high technical success rate. Lay Summary Strictures are a common complication for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), traditionally managed with either surgery or endoscopic balloon dilatation. This manuscript describes endoscopic stricturotomy as a safe and effective method for managing IBD-associated strictures.