Preliminary study on the clinical value of endoscopic stricturotomy in the treatment of stricturing Crohn's disease.

Background: Crohn's disease (CD) frequently leads to intestinal strictures, which pose significant challenges due to their complexity and limited treatment options. While medications can address inflammatory strictures, they are largely ineffective for fibrotic and mixed strictures, often necessitating surgical intervention. However, surgery carries considerable risks, including bleeding, infection, anastomotic leaks, and postoperative restricture formation. Endoscopic treatment, particularly endoscopic stricturotomy, offers a minimally invasive alternative that bridges the gap between medication and surgery.

Aim: To investigate the safety and efficacy of stricturotomy under single-balloon enteroscopy in stricturing CD.

Methods: Patients diagnosed with stricturing CD at The First People's Hospital of Changzhou from June 2020 to April 2024 were enrolled and underwent endoscopic stricturotomy (ES). Relevant clinical data of patients were collected retrospectively. Outcomes included success rate, remission time, complications, and follow-up interventions. This observational study was followed up postoperatively to observe patient remission and recurrence rates.

Results: Seventeen endoscopic strictures were created in 11 patients, achieving a 100% immediate success rate without any serious complications. During the follow-up period, stricture recurrence was observed in two patients, resulting in an endoscopic reintervention rate of 18.2%. Additionally, two patients required subsequent surgical intervention, with a surgical treatment rate of 18.2%. One patient experienced bowel obstruction 18 months post-ES and was successfully managed with conservative treatment without surgical intervention. The remission duration after the initial ES treatment was 10.1 ± 8.2 months, with a median remission time of 10 months.

Conclusion: ES is a safe and effective treatment for CD-related strictures and warrants further clinical promotion and application.