Hydrostatic balloon dilatation of Crohn's strictures

Factors associated with the efficacy and safety of endoscopic dilatation of symptomatic strictures in Crohn's disease: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) is a standard treatment for intestinal strictures in Crohn's disease (CD). No evidence-based guidelines exist regarding the balloon diameter or the balloon pressure to be used, with recent studies suggesting the use of a smaller diameter than classically used. We sought to analyze the factors associated with safety and efficacy of EBD in CD strictures, particularly looking at balloon diameter and dilatation pressure.

METHODS

We conducted a monocentric retrospective study of patients who underwent EBD between 2005 and 2020.

RESULTS

Our endoscopy department performed EBD in 94 CD patients during the considered period. The mean size of balloon dilatation was 16 mm (±2.5; including 21 patients with balloon <14 mm) and the mean dilatation pressure was 5.3 atm (±1.5). No perforation was observed. Over a median follow-up of 5.6 years, the probability of being operated was 5.4% at 1 year and 10.4% at 3 years. Smaller height (HR = 0.90, p = 0.022) and a higher BMI (HR = 1.23, p = 0.014) were associated with the risk of operation. The probability of being operated or redilated was 30.1% at 1 year and 52.5% at 3 years. No factor was significantly associated with this risk. The size of the balloon had no impact on outcomes.

CONCLUSION

In this retrospective cohort, including a significant proportion of CD patients dilated with balloon <14 mm, no perforation was observed and the size of the balloon or the dilatation pressure had no impact on the risk of surgery or redilatation.

Long-term outcomes of endoscopic balloon dilation for intestinal strictures in patients with Crohn's disease during maintenance treatment with anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha antibodies

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Efficacy of endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) for intestinal strictures in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) receiving anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha antibodies (anti-TNF) as maintenance therapy is unclear. We investigated the long-term efficacy and safety of EBD for intestinal strictures in patients with CD receiving anti-TNF.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed data from patients with CD who received anti-TNF as maintenance therapy from 2008 to 2017, underwent EBD, and were followed up for ≥6 months. The primary endpoint was the cumulative surgery-free rate. The main secondary endpoints were technical success, repeat EBD rate, risk factors affecting surgical outcomes, and safety.

RESULTS

Seventy-two patients with CD were assessed. The median observation period after EBD was 50 months. The technical success rate was 67%. The 3- and 5-year cumulative surgery-free rates were 81.1% and 73.5%, respectively. The repeat EBD rate was 74%. Multivariable analyses showed that risk factors affecting surgical outcomes were age at disease onset ≤16 years (hazard ratio 3.69; 95% confidence interval 1.36-10.01; P = 0.011). Serious complications requiring surgery developed in three patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic balloon dilation was an effective and safe short-term treatment and a useful long-term treatment for CD patients with intestinal strictures receiving anti-TNF as maintenance therapy.

Therapeutic Endoscopy in Postoperative Pouch Complications

Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) or "J"-pouch as it is commonly referred to, is the treatment of choice in patients with medically refractory ulcerative colitis. IPAA can have infectious, inflammatory, and mechanical complications. Currently, there are no Food and Drug Administration-approved medical therapies for these complications. Surgery that may be eventually required can have significant morbidities due to the complexity of IPAA. Endoscopy is fast emerging as a leading modality of treatment for some of these pouch complications. Endoscopy in adjunct with medical treatment can help manage the majority of pouch-related disorders and improve the outcome.

Futuristic Developments and Applications in Endoluminal Stenting

Endoscopic stenting is a well-established option for the treatment of malignant obstruction, temporary management of benign strictures, and sealing transmural defects, as well as drainage of pancreatic fluid collections and biliary obstruction. In recent years, in addition to expansion in indications for endoscopic stenting, considerable strides have been made in stent technology, and several types of devices with advanced designs and materials are continuously being developed. In this review, we discuss the important developments in stent designs and novel indications for endoluminal and transluminal stenting. Our discussion specifically focuses on (i) biodegradable as well as (ii) irradiating and drug-eluting stents for esophageal, gastroduodenal, biliary, and colonic indications, (iii) endoscopic stenting in inflammatory bowel disease, and (iv) lumen-apposing metal stent.

Endoscopic treatment of Crohn-related strictures with a self-expandable stent compared with balloon dilation: a prospective, randomised, controlled study

OBJECTIVE

Fibrotic strictures in the gastrointestinal tract are frequent in Crohn's disease. Endoscopic dilation is a standard treatment. However, recurrence is common after dilation and there are complications such as bleeding or perforation. Endoscopic treatment using self-expandable metal stents has shown diverging results. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of endoscopic treatment with a self-expandable stent in ileocecal Crohn's disease.

DESIGN/METHOD

Patients with Crohn's disease and a symptomatic ileocecal stricture were eligible for prospective, consecutive inclusion in a single-centre setting. Patients were randomised to treatment with either 18 mm balloon dilatation (Group_DIL) or stenting (Group_STENT) using a 20 mm diameter, partially covered Hanarostent NCN. Patients were followed for a minimum of 24 months postendoscopy. Outcomes were technical success, adverse events and clinical success (defined as no need for repeated interventions).

RESULTS

Thirteen patients (Group_DIL n=6; Group_STENT=7) were included with twelve patients (Group_DIL n=5; Group_STENT=7) being eligible for complete follow-up. Technical success was achieved in all cases. Adverse events were border-line significantly more common in the Group_STENT: 4/7 (57%) (pain: n=3; pain and rectal bleeding: n=1) compared with the Group_DIL: 0/5 (0%), p=0.08, which resulted in preterm termination of the study. The clinical success rate was Group_STENT: 6/7 (86%) vs Group_DIL: 1/5 (20%), p=0.07.

CONCLUSION

Patients with strictures related to Crohn's disease may benefit from treatment with self-expandable metal stents rather than dilatation. However, there seems to be an increased risk for patient pain after stenting, which has to be considered and handled.

TRAIL REGISTRATION NUMBER

The study was registered at Clinical Trials (NCT04718493).

Efficacy of drug and endoscopic treatment of Crohn's disease strictures: A systematic review

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Strictures are the commonest complication in Crohn's disease. Surgery and endoscopic dilation are the mainstays of treatment, while drug therapy has often been considered contraindicated. The benefit of nonsurgical treatments, particularly drug and endoscopic therapy, need to be defined.

METHODS

Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, PsycINFO, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library (inception until August 30, 2019) were searched. Studies with ≥ 10 patients with Crohn's disease strictures, reporting on outcomes following medication or endoscopic treatment, were included.

RESULTS

Of 3480 records, 85 studies met inclusion criteria and formed the basis of this analysis. Twenty-five studies assessed drug therapy; none were randomized trials. Despite study heterogeneity anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy appeared effective, with 50% of patients avoiding surgery after 4 years of follow up. No other drug therapy was of demonstrable benefit. Sixty studies assessed endoscopic therapy including 56 on endoscopic balloon dilation, two assessed needle knife stricturotomy, and two stent insertion. Dilation was equally effective for de novo and anastomotic strictures ≤ 5 cm in length, with most studies reporting a subsequent surgical rate of 30% to 50%. Repeat dilation was required in approximately half of all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-TNF drug therapy and endoscopic balloon dilation are effective strategies for avoiding surgery in patients with stricturing Crohn's disease. Additional endoscopic therapies require further evaluation. Early data suggest that combining these therapies may provide greater benefit than individual therapies. Optimization of current drug and endoscopic therapy, and the incorporation of newer therapies, are needed for stricturing Crohn's disease.

Management of antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy in endoscopy: A review of literature

Endoscopic procedures hold a basal risk of bleeding that depends on the type of procedure and patients’ comorbidities. Moreover, they are often performed in patients taking antiplatelet and anticoagulants agents, increasing the potential risk of intraprocedural and delayed bleeding. Even if the interruption of antithrombotic therapies is undoubtful effective in reducing the risk of bleeding, the thromboembolic risk that follows their suspension should not be underestimated. Therefore, it is fundamental for each endoscopist to be aware of the bleeding risk for every procedure, in order to measure the risk-benefit ratio for each patient. Moreover, knowledge of the proper management of antithrombotic agents before endoscopy, as well as the adequate timing for their resumption is essential.

This review aims to analyze current evidence from literature assessing, for each procedure, the basal risk of bleeding and the risk of bleeding in patients taking antithrombotic therapy, as well as to review the recommendation of American society for gastrointestinal endoscopy, European society of gastrointestinal endoscopy, British society of gastroenterology, Asian pacific association of gastroenterology and Asian pacific society for digestive endoscopy guidelines for the management of antithrombotic agents in urgent and elective endoscopic procedures.

Endoscopy in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Position Paper on Behalf of the Porto IBD Group of the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition

Endoscopy is a central tool for the evaluation and management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In the last few decades, gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy has undergone significant technological developments including availability of pediatric-size equipment, enabling comprehensive investigation of the GI tract in children. Simultaneously, professional organization of GI experts have developed guidelines and training programs in pediatric GI endoscopy. This prompted the Porto Group on Pediatric IBD of the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition to develop updated guidelines on the role of GI endoscopy in pediatric IBD, specifically taking into considerations of recent advances in the diagnosis, disease stratification, and novel therapeutic targets in these patients.

Identification of Endpoints for Development of Antifibrosis Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Intestinal fibrosis is a challenge to management of patients with Crohn's disease (CD); there is an urgent need to expedite development of antifibrosis drugs for this disease. The International Organization for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IOIBD) aimed to identify a set of endpoints that can be used to determine efficacy of antifibrosis agents tested in clinical trials of patients with CD.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review to identify clinical, radiologic, biochemical, endoscopic, and composite endpoints used in assessing activity of fibrostenosing CD and response to treatment, and determined their operational properties. A panel of IOIBD experts performed a consensus process to identify the best endpoints for inclusion in clinical trials, through a 2-round, Delphi-style online survey.

RESULTS

A total of 36 potentially relevant endpoints for intestinal fibrosis were selected and assessed. Forty-eight physicians with expertise in inflammatory bowel disease, from 5 regions (North America, Europe, Middle East, Asia/Pacific, and Latin America), participated in the Delphi consensus process. A core set of 13 endpoints (complete clinical response, long-term efficacy, sustained clinical benefit, treatment failure, radiological remission, normal quality of life, clinical remission without steroids, therapeutic failure, deep remission, complete absence of occlusive symptoms, symptom-free survival, bowel damage progression, and no disability) were rated as critical. Agreement was high among the experts.

CONCLUSIONS

Members of the IOIBD reached expert consensus on a set of endpoints that can be used to assess antifibrosis agents in trials of patients with CD. Studies are needed to clarify methods for measuring these outcomes and validate measurement instruments.

Endoscopic management of Crohn’s strictures

Symptomatic intestinal strictures develop in more than one third of patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) within 10 years of disease onset. Strictures can be inflammatory, fibrotic or mixed and result in a significant decline in quality of life, frequently requiring surgery for palliation of symptoms. Patients under the age of 40 with perianal disease are more likely to suffer from disabling ileocolonic disease thus may have a greater risk for fibrostenotic strictures. Treatment options for fibrostenotic strictures are limited to endoscopic and surgical therapy. Endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) appears to be a safe, less invasive and effective alternative modality to replace or defer surgery. Serious complications are rare and occur in less than 3% of procedures. For non-complex strictures without adjacent fistulizaation or perforation that are less than 5 cm in length, EBD should be considered as first-line therapy. The aim of this review is to present the current literature on the endoscopic management of small bowel and colonic strictures in CD, which includes balloon dilatation, adjuvant techniques of intralesional injection of steroids and anti-tumor necrosis factor, and metal stent insertion. Short and long-term outcomes, complications and safety of EBD will be discussed.

Findings of Retrograde Contrast Study Through Double-balloon Enteroscopy Predict the Risk of Bowel Resections in Patients with Crohn's Disease with Small Bowel Stenosis

BACKGROUND

Patients with Crohn's disease (CD) with small bowel strictures are at risk of surgery. Double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) can evaluate the status of the small intestine, and retrograde contrast through the scope enables the surgeon to obtain information beyond the reach of the scope. This study aimed to examine whether a retrograde contrast study through DBE could be used as a predictor of subsequent surgery in patients with CD with small intestinal strictures.

METHODS

The findings of DBE with retrograde contrast in 48 patients CD with small bowel strictures were examined.

RESULTS

Of the 48 patients, 14 (29%) underwent surgery for small intestinal strictures during a median observation period of 2.4 years (interquartile range: 1.4-3.7 yr). According to the results of the multivariate analysis, a maximum length of strictures ≥20 mm and the ratio of the maximum diameter of prestenotic dilations to the diameter of the normal small intestine ≥1.4 were independent risk factors of surgery for small intestinal strictures (risk ratio = 7.6 [95% confidence interval, 1.8-42.0], P = 0.006; and risk ratio = 52.0 [95% confidence interval, 3.5-2485.1], P = 0.002, respectively). The latter predicted subsequent surgery with 92% sensitivity and 88% specificity. Cumulative surgery-free rates were discriminated significantly according to the presence or absence of these 2 risk factors (log-rank test: P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings of retrograde contrast through DBE are helpful to predict risk of surgery in patients with CD with small intestinal strictures.

Analysis of the Risk Factors of Surgery after Endoscopic Balloon Dilation for Small Intestinal Strictures in Crohn's Disease Using Double-balloon Endoscopy

Objective Balloon-assisted endoscopy enables access to and treatment of strictures in the small intestine using endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD); however, the long-term outcomes of EBD have not been sufficiently evaluated. This study evaluated the long-term outcomes of EBD in Crohn's disease to identify the risk factors associated with the need for subsequent surgical intervention. Methods We retrospectively analyzed patients with Crohn's disease who had undergone EBD with double-balloon endoscopy (DBE) for small intestinal strictures at a single center between 2006 and 2015. The long-term outcomes were assessed based on the cumulative surgery-free rate following initial EBD. Results Seventy-two EBD with DBE sessions and 112 procedures were performed for 37 patients during this period. Eighteen patients (48.6%) required surgery during follow-up. Significant factors associated with the need for surgery in a multivariate analysis were multiple strictures (adjusted hazard ratio, 14.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.91-117.12; p=0.010). One patient (6.7%) required surgery among 15 who had single strictures compared to 17 (77.3%) among 22 patients with multiple strictures. Conclusion In a multivariate analysis, the presence of multiple strictures was a significant risk factor associated with the need for surgery; therefore, a single stricture might be a good indication for EBD using DBE for small intestinal strictures in Crohn's disease patients.

Current status of endoscopic balloon dilation for Crohn's disease

The therapeutic target in Crohn's disease (CD) has been raised to the achievement of mucosal healing. Although effective treatments that target cytokines and other molecules has been widely used for CD, intestinal strictures are still a major cause of surgery. Endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) is known to be an effective and safe intervention for intestinal strictures in CD. Since frequent intestinal resection often results in short bowel syndrome and can decrease the quality of life, EBD can help avoid surgery. EBD with a conventional colonoscope for Crohn's strictures of the colon and ileo-colonic anastomosis has established efficacy and safety. In addition, EBD using balloon-assisted enteroscopy has recently been applied for small bowel Crohn's strictures. Although the evidence is not strong, EBD may become an alternative to surgery in small bowel strictures in CD. EBD and other new methods such as self-expanding stent implantation for Crohn's strictures may be useful and safe; however, it is important to address several issues regarding these interventions and to establish a protocol for combined therapies.

Mechanisms, Management, and Treatment of Fibrosis in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

In the last 10 years, we have learned much about the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of intestinal fibrosis in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases. Just a decade ago, intestinal strictures were considered to be an inevitable consequence of long-term inflammation in patients who did not respond to anti-inflammatory therapies. Inflammatory bowel diseases-associated fibrosis was seen as an irreversible process that frequently led to intestinal obstructions requiring surgical intervention. This paradigm has changed rapidly, due to the antifibrotic approaches that may become available. We review the mechanisms and diagnosis of this serious complication of inflammatory bowel diseases, as well as factors that predict its progression and management strategies.

A Pooled Analysis of Efficacy, Safety, and Long-term Outcome of Endoscopic Balloon Dilation Therapy for Patients with Stricturing Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) is widely used to manage Crohn's disease-associated strictures. However, most studies of the safety and efficacy are small and heterogenous. We performed a combined analysis of published studies and evaluated 676 comprehensive individual participant data sets to determine the overall effects of EBD.

METHODS

Citations from the Embase, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane library from 1991 through 2013 were systematically reviewed, and references of cited articles were assessed for relevant publications. We collected data from studies including ≥15 patients and additionally generated a unique individual patient database containing 676 individual data sets derived from 12 studies. Technical feasibility, short-term and long-term efficacies, and safety were evaluated.

RESULTS

In 1463 patients with Crohn's disease who underwent 3213 EBD procedures, 98.6% of strictures were ileal and 62% anastomotic. The technical success rate of the EBDs was 89.1% with a clinical efficacy of 80.8%. Complications occurred in 2.8% per procedure. After 24 months of follow-up, 73.5% of subjects underwent redilation and 42.9% surgical resection. In a multivariate analysis of 676 individual patients, a stricture length of ≤5 cm was associated with a surgery-free outcome; every 1 cm increase of stricture length increased the hazard of need for surgery by 8% (P = 0.008). Inflammation did not affect outcomes or rate of complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on a systematic literature review and analysis of data sets from 676 patients, EBD has a high rate of short-term technical and clinical efficacies, with substantial long-term efficacy and acceptable rates of complication.

A review of endoscopic balloon dilatation techniques for treating Crohn's strictures: time to standardise therapy

Endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) is a recognised treatment for symptomatic Crohn's disease strictures. Over 3000 procedure are reported in the literature and yet the long term benefits are unclear. This is largely because of different populations, study designs, techniques, types of strictures, the outcome measures used and follow-up periods. Areas covered: We summarised the techniques reported in the literature based on a systematic review and key factors that may influence outcome: pre-intervention imaging, stricture length and type, balloon size in relation to intestinal lumen diameter, duration of dilatation, frequency of repeat dilatation and instructions on follow-up. Expert commentary: We noted that shorter, non-ulcerated and anastomotic strictures fare better and 2 mins dilatation duration was the commonest technique used without an increased risk of complications. The findings were translated into a standardised protocol and a management pathway to guide clinicians on the therapeutic strategy for Crohn's strictures. To resolve the uncertainty about long-term benefits, future studies should adopt a replicable standardised EBD technique, define degree of fibrosis to decide therapy accordingly, compare it to alternative interventions (strictureplasty or stents) within a randomised controlled trial and apply a validated outcome measure to include intestinal damage and quality of life.

Endoscopic balloon dilation in the management of strictures in Crohn's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of non-randomized trials

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Crohn's disease (CD) is associated with strictures. Endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) may prevent or delay the need for surgical resection. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the efficacy and safety of EBD in the management of Crohn's strictures.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of MEDLINE and EMBASE databases from January 1980 to May 2015 was performed. The primary outcome measurements were surgical intervention rates and major adverse events.

RESULTS

A total of 24 studies involving 1163 patients were included in the analysis. The median duration from the initial diagnosis of CD to the first EBD was 10.2-17.0 years. The majority of strictures (69 %) treated were anastomotic, while the remaining strictures were naive (primary). Surgical intervention rate over a median follow-up period of 15-70 months in the reported studies was 27 %. The surgical intervention rate after dilation of anastomotic strictures was 18 % versus 29 % for primary strictures. The risk ratio for the surgical requirement of anastomotic versus primary strictures was [0.88 (95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.59-1.32); p = 0.54]. Stricture length <4 cm was associated with a significantly decreased risk of surgical intervention [risk ratio = 0.48 (95 % CI 0.26-0.90); p = 0.02]. EBD resulted in major adverse events in 4 % of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

EBD appears to be a safe alternative for surgery in the management of Crohn's strictures. Stricture length <4 cm treated with EBD is associated with a significantly decreased risk of surgical intervention.

Endoscopy in patients on antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy, including direct oral anticoagulants: British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) and European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) guidelines

The risk of endoscopy in patients on antithrombotics depends on the risks of procedural haemorrhage versus thrombosis due to discontinuation of therapy. P2Y12 RECEPTOR ANTAGONISTS CLOPIDOGREL, PRASUGREL, TICAGRELOR: For low-risk endoscopic procedures we recommend continuing P2Y12 receptor antagonists as single or dual antiplatelet therapy (low quality evidence, strong recommendation); For high-risk endoscopic procedures in patients at low thrombotic risk, we recommend discontinuing P2Y12 receptor antagonists five days before the procedure (moderate quality evidence, strong recommendation). In patients on dual antiplatelet therapy, we suggest continuing aspirin (low quality evidence, weak recommendation). For high-risk endoscopic procedures in patients at high thrombotic risk, we recommend continuing aspirin and liaising with a cardiologist about the risk/benefit of discontinuation of P2Y12 receptor antagonists (high quality evidence, strong recommendation).

WARFARIN

The advice for warfarin is fundamentally unchanged from British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) 2008 guidance.

DIRECT ORAL ANTICOAGULANTS DOAC

For low-risk endoscopic procedures we suggest omitting the morning dose of DOAC on the day of the procedure (very low quality evidence, weak recommendation); For high-risk endoscopic procedures, we recommend that the last dose of DOAC be taken ≥48 h before the procedure (very low quality evidence, strong recommendation). For patients on dabigatran with CrCl (or estimated glomerular filtration rate, eGFR) of 30-50 mL/min we recommend that the last dose of DOAC be taken 72 h before the procedure (very low quality evidence, strong recommendation). In any patient with rapidly deteriorating renal function a haematologist should be consulted (low quality evidence, strong recommendation).

Clinical Outcomes of Surgery Versus Endoscopic Balloon Dilation for Stricturing Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic balloon dilation and surgery are commonly practiced in stricturing Crohn's disease. Nonetheless, there are still scant data directly comparing these 2 strategies.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the short- and long-term outcomes of endoscopic balloon dilation versus surgical resection in symptomatic Crohn's strictures.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective cohort study.

SETTINGS

The study was conducted at a single tertiary center.

PATIENTS

Seventy-nine patients were identified, 40 in the surgical group and 39 in the endoscopic balloon dilation group (mean age 42.8 ± 13.9 versus 38.5 ± 12.2 years).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The outcomes of all patients referred for endoscopic balloon dilation were compared with patients referred to surgery because of stricturing disease between the years 2006 and 2013. The primary outcome was the need for reintervention (either endoscopic balloon dilation or surgery) for symptomatic Crohn's disease during follow-up.

RESULTS

The proportion of patients who required any reintervention during follow-up was significantly lower in the surgical group versus the endoscopic balloon dilation group (OR = 5.62 (95% CI, 1.66-19.01); p = 0.005). The need for surgery/resurgery during follow-up was also significantly lower in the surgically treated group (OR = 3.53 (95% CI, 1.01-12.29); p = 0.047). Reintervention-free survival and surgery-free survival were both significantly shorter in the endoscopically treated group in a Kaplan-Mayer analysis. The rate of major complications was similar in the endoscopically and surgically treated groups (7.6% versus 7.5%; p = 0.7).

LIMITATIONS

The small cohort and the retrospective data collection were limitations of this study.

CONCLUSIONS

In our cohort of patients with fibrostenotic Crohn's disease, a direct comparison showed reduced need for reinterventions with a similar rate of immediate major complications after surgery compared with endoscopic balloon dilation.

Systematic review with meta-analysis: endoscopic balloon dilatation for Crohn's disease strictures

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) is recognised treatment for symptomatic Crohn's strictures. Several case series report its efficacy. A systematic analysis for overall efficacy can inform the design of future studies.

AIM

To examine symptomatic (SR) and technical response (TR) and adverse events (AE) of EBD. Stricture characteristics were also explored.

METHODS

A systematic search strategy of COCHRANE, MEDLINE and EMBASE was performed. All original studies reporting outcomes of EBD for Crohn's strictures were included. SR was defined as obstructive symptom-free outcome at the end of follow-up, TR as post-dilatation passage of the endoscope through a stricture, and adverse event as the presence of complication (perforation and/or bleeding). Pooled event rates across studies were expressed with summative statistics.

RESULTS

Twenty-five studies included 1089 patients and 2664 dilatations. Pooled event rates for SR, TR, complications and perforations were 70.2% (95% CI: 60-78.8%), 90.6% (95% CI: 87.8-92.8%), 6.4% (95% CI: 5.0-8.2) and 3% (95% CI: 2.2-4.0%) respectively. Cumulative surgery rate at 5 year follow-up was 75%. Pooled unweighted TR, SR, complication, perforation and surgery rates were 84%, 45%, 15%, 9% and 21% for de novo and 84%, 58%, 22%, 5% and 32% for anastomotic strictures. Outcomes between two stricture types were no different on subgroup meta-analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Efficacy and complication rates for endoscopic balloon dilatation were higher than previously reported. From the few studies with 5 year follow-up the majority required surgery. Future studies are needed to determine whether endoscopic balloon dilatation has significant long-term benefits.

Application of balloon-assisted endoscopy in treatment of small intestinal diseases

For its special physiological structure, the small intestine had been regarded as an area inaccessible by digestive endoscopy for the detection and therapy. Recently, the clinical application of balloon-assisted endoscopy (BAE) help realize the direct observation and endoscopic therapy for the total small intestine, which greatly improves the diagnosis and treatment of small intestinal diseases. In the current editorial, we provide several typical cases and give an overview of the application of BAE in the therapy of small intestinal diseases, which includes polypectomy for small intestinal polyps, dilatation and stenting for small intestinal strictures, endoscopic therapy for small intestinal bleeding and BAE assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

Endoscopic Therapy in Crohn's Disease: Principle, Preparation, and Technique

Stricture and fistula are common complications of Crohn's disease. Endoscopic balloon dilation and needle-knife stricturotomy has become a valid treatment option for Crohn's disease-associated strictures. Endoscopic therapy is also increasingly used in Crohn's disease-associated fistula. Preprocedural preparations, including routine laboratory testing, imaging examination, anticoagulant management, bowel cleansing and proper sedation, are essential to ensure a successful and safe endoscopic therapy. Adverse events, such as perforation and excessive bleeding, may occur during endoscopic intervention. The endoscopist should be well trained, always be cautious, anticipate for possible procedure-associated complications, be prepared for damage control during endoscopy, and have surgical backup ready. In this review, we discuss the principle, preparation, techniques of endoscopic therapy, as well as the prevention and management of endoscopic procedure-associated complications. We propose that inflammatory bowel disease endoscopy may be a part of training for "super" gastroenterology fellows, i.e., those seeking a career in advanced endoscopy or in inflammatory bowel disease.

Therapeutic Armamentarium for Stricturing Crohn's Disease: Medical Versus Endoscopic Versus Surgical Approaches

One-third of patients with Crohn's disease (CD) present as stricturing phenotype characterized by progressive luminal narrowing and obstructive symptoms. The diagnosis and management of these patients have been intriguing and challenging. Immunomodulators and biologics have been successfully used in treating inflammatory and fistulizing CD. There are issues of efficacy and safety of biological agents in treating strictures in CD. Rapid mucosal healing from potent biological agents may predispose patients to the development of new strictures or worsening of existing strictures. On the other hand, strictures constitute one-fifth of the reasons for surgery in patients with CD. Disease recurrence is common at or proximal to the anastomotic site with the majority of these patients developing new endoscopic lesions within 1 year of surgery. The progressive nature of the disease with repetitive cycle of inflammation and stricture formation results in repeated surgery, with a risk of small bowel syndrome. There is considerable quest for bowel conserving endoscopic and surgical strategies. Endoscopic balloon dilation and stricturoplasty have emerged as valid alternatives to resection. Endoscopic balloon dilation has been shown to be feasible, safe, and effective for the short primary or anastomotic strictures. However, repeated dilations are often needed, and long-term outcomes of endoscopic balloon dilation remain to be investigated. The introduction of stricturoplasty has added another dimension to bowel saving strategy. Although postoperative recurrence rate after stricturoplasty is comparable with surgical resection, there are concerns for increased risk of malignancy in preserved bowel. Laparoscopic surgery has widely been performed with similar outcomes to open approach with fewer complications, quicker recovery, better cosmesis, and lower cost. All of these issues should be considered by physicians involved in the management of patients with stricturing CD.

Multidisciplinary management of gastrointestinal fibrotic stenosis in Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can involve virtually any part of the gastrointestinal tract. CD complications are the main indications for surgery. A large proportion of these interventions are due to stricturing disease. Although immunosuppressive treatments have been used more frequently during the last 25 years, there is no significant decrease in the need for surgery in patients with CD. Unfortunately, surgery is not curative, as the disease ultimately reoccurs in a substantial subset of patients. To best identify the patients who will require a specific treatment and to plane the most appropriate therapeutic approach, it is important to precisely define the type, the size, and the location of CD stenosis. Diagnostic approaches aim to distinguish fibrotic from inflammatory strictures. Medical therapy is required for inflammatory stenosis. Mechanical treatments are required when fibrotic CD strictures are symptomatic. The choice between endoscopic balloon dilation, stricturoplasty, and laparoscopic or open surgery is based on the presence of perforating complications, the remaining length of small bowel, and the number and length of strictures. The non-hierarchical decision-making process for the treatment of fibrotic CD therefore requires multidisciplinary clinical rounds with radiologists, gastroenterologists, interventional endoscopists, and surgeons.

Endoscopic and medical management of fibrostenotic Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease (CD) is a disease characterized by acute inflammation at diagnosis which evolves toward a more fistulizing and fibrostenotic disease phenotype over time. This leads to a high risk of bowel resections and ultimately short bowel with diarrhea and malabsorption, which represents a major part of the burden inflicted by CD. Bowel-conserving endoscopic and surgical procedures have therefore been developed. Specific antifibrotic medical therapies are currently lacking. Through-the-scope endoscopic balloon dilation has been described in several cohorts as an alternative to surgical resection or stricturoplasty in selected patients. Efficacy of endoscopic dilation is high, with an immediate success rate of 78% (between 73 and 100%), defined as the ability to pass with the scope through the stricture. However, symptomatic recurrence is frequent, with need for new dilatation in 41% and need for surgery in 42%, with a mean interval of 15 months. Adjunctive techniques such as local steroid or anti-TNF injections or stenting have not been conclusively proven to be of added benefit. We usually reserve endoscopic dilation for patients with short strictures (<5 cm) and nonpenetrating disease, preferably at the ileocolonic anastomosis. Similar to other interventions in endoscopy, endoscopic dilation has an intrinsic risk of complications which can be estimated at 2%. Balloon size and patient selection can serve to increase safety.

Endoscopic treatment of Crohn's complications

The progression to fistula and strictures is part of the natural history of Crohn's disease (CD) and these complications negatively affect the quality of life of CD patients. Surgery is the traditional treatment of CD strictures. However, due the chronicity of the inflammatory process and the associated fibrosis, postoperative recurrence occurs frequently. The lack of specific drug to treat fibrotic strictures and their irreversible nature has drawn the attention to less invasive and bowel-sparing therapeutic modalities. Endoluminal therapies may provide effective option in relieving symptoms associated with CD complications and reduce the need for repeated surgery with substantial clinical benefit. This review will discuss the current use and efficacy of the endoscopic treatment of CD complications. New endoscopic modalities and recent advances will be also evaluated.

Long-term outcome of endoscopic balloon dilation for small bowel strictures in patients with Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) is an alternative to surgery for small bowel strictures of patients with Crohn's disease (CD). However, little is known about the long-term efficacy of EBD. The aim of the present study was to clarify the long-term outcome of EBD for small bowel strictures in patients with CD.

METHODS

Subjects comprised 65 patients with CD who underwent EBD for small intestinal strictures and were followed up for at least 6 months. All subjects had obstructive symptoms as a result of small bowel strictures. Short-term success was defined as technical success and the disappearance of obstructive symptoms. The short-term success rate of EBD, its safety profile, the cumulative surgery-free rate and the cumulative redilation-free rate were investigated.

RESULTS

Short-term success rate was 80.0% (52/65). Complications were encountered in six of the 65 patients (9.2%). Seventeen patients (26.2%) underwent surgery during the observation period of this study. Cumulative surgery-free rate after initial EBD was 79% at 2 years and 73% at 3 years, respectively. EBD successful cases showed significantly higher surgery-free rates than unsuccessful cases (P < 0.0001). In 52 of the successful cases, the cumulative redilation-free rate after initial EBD was 64% at 2 years and 47% at 3 years, respectively.

CONCLUSION

EBD for small bowel strictures secondary to CD provides not only short-term success but also long-term efficacy. However, the high redilation rate is one of the clinical problems of this procedure.

Outcome and complications of endoscopic balloon dilatations in various types of ileocaecal and colonic stenosis in patients with Crohn's disease

AIM

We examined the outcome and the complications of endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) of ileocaecal and colonic strictures due to Crohn's disease.

METHODS

We examined 237 dilatation procedures in 77 patients with symptomatic ileocaecal and colonic stenosis regarding outcome, individual perforation risk, the need for further interventions, and other complications within a 10 years observation period.

RESULTS

In 50 of 77 patients (64.9%), endoscopic dilatation procedures were successful within a median follow-up period of 24 months (25th and 75th percentile 10-38.5 months). Thirty five patients (45.5%) were successfully dilated with only one endoscopic procedure, while the remaining patients required two or more EBDs. Albeit the EBD, 27 patients of the whole cohort (35.1%) underwent surgical repair of the stenosis in due course. Overall complication rate was 7.6%, with postdilatation bleeding in 1.7% and abdominal pain longer than 24 h in 4.2%. Perforation occurred in 4 of 77 patients (5.2%), resulting in a perforation rate of 1.7% per intervention, or, more importantly, for the individual patient in a long-term perforation rate of 5.2% per patient, respectively.

DISCUSSION

Endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) is a safe and effective approach to ileocaecal and colonic stenosis in approximately 65% of Crohn's disease patients. Even in case of recurrence, further endoscopic treatments can be undertaken. The perforation rate depending on the number of interventions is low, but for the individual patient a cumulative per patient perforation risk of 5.2% in the long-term should be considered during patient information and decisions for or against surgical interventions.

Advanced therapeutic endoscopist and inflammatory bowel disease: Dawn of a new role

Endoscopy plays a key role in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Colonoscopy has been traditionally used in the diagnosis of IBD and helps in determination of an important end point in patient management, “mucosal healing”. However, the involvement of an advanced endoscopist has expanded with innovations in therapeutic and newer imaging techniques. Endoscopists are increasingly being involved in the management of anastomotic and small bowel strictures in these patients. The advent of balloon enteroscopy has helped us access areas not deemed possible in the past for dilations. An advanced endoscopist also plays an integral part in managing ileal pouch-anal anastomosis complications including management of pouch strictures and sinuses. The use of rectal endoscopic ultrasound has been expanded for imaging of perianal fistulae in patients with Crohn’s disease and appears much more sensitive than magnetic resonance imaging and exam under anesthesia. Advanced endoscopists also play an integral part in detection of dysplasia by employing advanced imaging techniques. In fact the paradigm for neoplasia surveillance in IBD is rapidly evolving with advancements in endoscopic imaging technology with pancolonic chromoendoscopy becoming the main imaging modality for neoplasia surveillance in IBD patients in most institutions. Advanced endoscopists are also called upon to diagnose primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and also offer options for endoscopic management of strictures through endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). In addition, PSC patients are at increased risk of developing cholangiocarcinoma with a 20% lifetime risk. Brush cytology obtained during ERCP and use of fluorescence in situ hybridization which assesses the presence of chromosomal aneuploidy (abnormality in chromosome number) are established initial diagnostic techniques in the investigation of patients with biliary strictures. Thus advanced endoscopists play an integral part in the management of IBD patients and our article aims to summarize the current evidence which supports this role and calls for developing and training a new breed of interventionalists who specialize in the management of IBD patients and complications specific to those patients.

Endoscopic balloon dilatation of Crohn's disease strictures: results from a large United kingdom series

INTRODUCTION

Stricturing is a common complication of Crohn's disease. Endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) offers a valuable alternative to surgical intervention, but there are limited data on factors influencing its safety and efficacy.

METHODS

A multicenter retrospective audit across 4 U.K. teaching hospitals was performed on the use of EBD for Crohn's strictures between 1998 and 2011. Demographics, smoking status, medications, C-reactive protein, endoscopic findings, and subsequent surgery at follow-up were recorded. Success of EBD was defined as symptomatic improvement without the need for surgery at follow-up.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine patients (47 women; median age, 48 yr) were identified for this study. Forty-eight (61%) patients had ileocolonic anastomotic strictures, whereas the rest had de novo strictures. In total, 191 EBDs (range, 1-11; median 2) were carried out on 93 strictures (range, 1-5; median 1) over a median duration of 12 months (range, 1-84). There were no serious adverse events. Success at index EBD was 34%, with a further 43% achieving long-term benefit from additional EBDs. Eighteen (23%) patients required surgery. Time to surgery after the first EDB was 2.6 to 71.1 months (median, 12.8 mo). Longer Crohn's disease duration (P = 0.03) and high C-reactive protein (P = 0.008) were associated with an increased need for subsequent surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

EBD was safe and effective in achieving long-term symptom improvement and avoidance of surgery in most patients. Prospective controlled trials are needed to evaluate the effect of other factors, including Crohn's disease phenotype, and the role of concomitant medication to identify those best suited to EBD.

Endoscopic therapy in inflammatory bowel diseases (with videos)

Endoscopic therapies are important modalities in the treatment of IBD, adjunct to medical and surgical approaches. These therapeutic techniques are particularly useful in the management of IBD-associated or IBD surgery–associated strictures, fistulas, and sinuses and colitis-associated neoplasia. Although the main focus of endoscopic therapies in IBD has been on balloon stricture dilation and ablation of adenoma-like lesions, new endoscopic approaches are emerging, including needle-knife stricturotomy, needle-knife sinusotomy, endoscopic stent placement, and fistula tract injection. Risk management of endoscopy-associated adverse events is also evolving. The application of endoscopic techniques in novel ways in the treatment of IBD is just beginning and will likely expand rapidly in the near future.

Prior use of immunomodulatory drugs improves the clinical outcome of endoscopic balloon dilation for intestinal stricture in patients with Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic balloon dilation is a promising procedure to improve symptoms of intestinal stricture in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). However, the long-term efficacy of endoscopic balloon dilation combined with immunomodulatory drugs remains unclear. The aim of the present study is to investigate whether prior use of immunomodulatory drugs affects the clinical outcome of endoscopic balloon dilation for intestinal stricture in CD.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 2004 and December 2011, 83 dilations were carried out in 25 patients with CD. Median follow-up period was 46 months. Patients were categorized into two groups based on their medications at the first endoscopic balloon dilation: early immunomodulatory drug-induction group (early IM-induction group) in which patients were already treated with immunomodulatory drugs before the dilation; and post-immunomodulatory drug-induction group (post-IM-induction group) in which patients were not yet treated withimmunomodulatory drugs before dilation. We compared the long-term cumulative non-surgical rate and the mean number of dilation procedures per patient between early and post-IM-induction groups to clarify the influence of prior use of immunomodulatory drugs on the clinical outcome of endoscopic balloon dilation.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference in the mean number of dilation procedures per patient between the early IM-induction and post-IM-induction groups (P = 0.04), although no significant difference in the cumulative non-surgical rate was observed between the two groups (P = 0.14).

CONCLUSION

Prior use of immunomodulatory drugs may improve the clinical outcome of endoscopic balloon dilation for intestinal stricture in CD.

Prolonged avoidance of repeat surgery with endoscopic balloon dilatation of anastomotic strictures in Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

There is a high rate of stricturing post-operative recurrence in Crohn's disease (CD) particularly at sites of surgical anastomosis, and over 50% of these patients will require a repeat resection. Endoscopic dilatation of anastomotic strictures is an alternative to surgical resection in selected patients. We aimed to evaluate the safety and long term efficacy of endoscopic balloon dilatation of symptomatic anastomotic strictures in CD.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained inflammatory bowel disease database of patients attending a single academic centre (n=1244 patients with CD) who underwent dilatation.

RESULTS

Fifty-five dilatations were performed in 31 patients (mean age 43 ± SD 12, 47% female). Median follow-up period was 46 months (IQR 14-62). Ninety percent of patients had successful initial dilatation and no complications occurred. Six (21%) avoided further dilatations or surgery in the follow-up period. Stricture recurrence was detected in 22 patients; 15 (54%) patients had repeat dilatations and seven (25%) went straight to surgery. Eight (28%) patients were managed with repeat dilatations of the stricture (median dilatations=2 range 2-6) and seven (25%) required surgery despite repeat dilatations. Median time from first dilatation to repeat surgery was 14.5 months (IQR 3-28) and to repeat dilatation was 13.8 months (IQR 4-28). There was no difference in immunomodulator use, biologic use and smoking status between the groups requiring surgery versus dilatation only.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic balloon dilatation of anastomotic strictures is safe and effective in providing symptomatic relief in CD patients. Forty-five percent of patients had a sustained response to single/serial balloon dilatation with avoidance of further surgical resection for a median interval of 46 months. Post-operative medical therapy and smoking status did not predict requirement for recurrent dilatation or surgery.

Smoking is a risk factor for recurrence of intestinal stricture after endoscopic dilation in Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic balloon dilation is an efficacious and safe alternative to surgery as treatment of short intestinal strictures in Crohn's disease (CD). Factors predicting outcome of the procedure are not well described.

AIM

To evaluate whether smoking at diagnosis, treatment with azathioprine, or other clinical variables may affect clinical outcome after endoscopic dilation. The endpoint was requirement of a new intervention such as dilation or surgery with intestinal resection or strictureplasty.

METHODS

Retrospective study of 83 patients with CD who underwent endoscopic balloon dilation of an intestinal stricture between 1987 and 2009.

RESULTS

After index dilation 55/83 patients underwent a new intervention. Among current smokers, 31/32 (97%) underwent another intervention compared to 18/33 (55%) among never smokers (adjusted HR: 2.50, 95% CI: 1.14-5.50, P = 0.022). After 5 years, cumulative probability of new intervention was 0.81 in smokers compared to 0.52 in never smokers; difference 0.29 (95% CI: 0.07-0.52, P = 0.01). In 16 patients, therapy with azathioprine was initiated before or shortly after the index dilation; 7/16 underwent a new intervention compared to 48/67 of those without azathioprine (HR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.21-1.03, P = 0.06). After adjustment for other variables, the association was even weaker (HR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.29-2.18, P = 0.668). Sex, age at diagnosis, age at first dilation, balloon size, location of stricture, and treatment period did not influence outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Smoking doubles the risk of recurrent stricture formation requiring a new intervention after index dilation. Maintenance therapy with azathioprine did not influence the subsequent course and need for a new intervention.

Short and long-term outcomes of endoscopic balloon dilatation for Crohn’s disease strictures

AIM: To investigate the short and long-term outcomes of endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) for Crohn’s disease (CD) strictures.

METHODS: Between January 1995 and December 2011, 47 EBD procedures were performed in 30 patients (8 females and 22 males) with CD. All patients had strictures through which an endoscope could not pass, and symptoms of these strictures included abdominal pain, abdominal fullness, nausea, and/or vomiting. The 47 strictures included 17 anastomotic and 30 de novo strictures. Endoscopy and dilatation were performed under conscious sedation with intravenous diazepam or flunitrazepam. The dilatations were all performed using through-the-scope balloons with diameters from 8 mm to 20 mm on inflation and lengths of 30-80 mm. Each dilatation session consisted of two to four, 3-min multistep inflations of the balloon, repeated at intervals of 1 wk until adequate dilatation (up to 15-20 mm in diameter) was achieved. The follow-up data were collected from medical records and analyzed retrospectively. Primary success was defined as passage of the scope through the stricture after EBD. Long-term outcomes were analyzed focusing on intervention-free survival and surgery-free survival demonstrated by the Kaplan-Meier method. (Intervention-free meant cases in which neither endoscopic balloon re-dilatation nor surgery was needed after the first dilatation during the observation period). The log rank test was used to evaluate the difference in long-term outcomes between anastomotic and de novo stricture cases.

RESULTS: Primary success was achieved in 44 of the 47 strictures (93.6%). Balloon dilatations failed in 3 cases (6.4%). In 1 case, EBD was a technical failure because the guide-wire could not be passed through the stricture which showed severe adhesion and was a flexural lesion of the intestine. In 2 cases, unexpected perforations occurred immediately after balloon dilatation. Of the 47 treatments, complications occurred in 5 (10.6%). All 5 patients had de novo strictures. One suffered bleeding, two high fever and there were colorectal perforations. One of the patients with a colorectal perforation was treated surgically, the other was managed conservatively. These 2 cases correspond to the two aforementioned EBD failures. Long-term outcomes were evaluated for the 44 successfully-treated strictures after a median follow-up of 26 mo (range, 2-172 mo). During the observation period, re-strictures after EBDs occurred in 26 cases (60.5%). Fourteen of these 26 re-stricture cases underwent EBD again, but in two EBD failed and surgery was ultimately performed in both cases. Twelve of the 26 re-stricture cases were initially treated surgically when the re-strictures occurred. Finally, 30 of the 47 strictures (63.8%) were successfully managed with EBD, allowing surgery to be avoided. Intervention-free survival evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier method was 75% at 12 mo, 58% at 24 mo, and 43% at 36 mo. There was no significant difference between the anastomotic strictures (n = 16) and de novo strictures (n = 28) in the intervention-free survival as evaluated by the log-rank test. Surgery-free survival evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier method was 90% at 12 mo, 75% at 24 mo, and 53% at 36 mo. The 16 anastomotic strictures were associated with significantly better surgery-free survivals than the 28 de novo strictures (log-rank test: P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Anastomotic strictures were associated with better long-term outcomes than de novo strictures, indicating that stricture type might be useful for predicting the long-term outcomes of EBD.

Safety and efficacy of extractible self-expandable metal stents in the treatment of Crohn's disease intestinal strictures: a prospective pilot study

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic management of Crohn's disease (CD) intestinal strictures with balloon dilation is effective; however, recurrences are frequent and require further dilations or surgery. The use of extractible metallic stents may be as effective as balloon dilation with fewer recurrences. The aim was to investigate in a prospective pilot study the feasibility and clinical effectiveness of the use of extractible stents in the treatment of CD intestinal strictures.

METHODS

In two tertiary referral centers, quiescent CD patients except for obstructive symptoms associated with intestinal stenosis of less than 50 mm length on enterography were eligible for transitory stent placement, initially planned to be retrieved after 8 weeks, which was secondarily reduced to 4 weeks after patient 3.

RESULTS

Eleven patients (six males, five females, median age 34 years [range 18-66]) were prospectively included. The sites of intestinal stenosis were an ileocolonic anastomosis, an ileosigmoidic anastomosis, and the surgically untreated terminal ileum in eight, one, and two patients, respectively. Stent placement was technically successful in 10 patients. Obstructive symptoms were relieved in 6 out of 10 patients. Two patients needed surgery related to the procedure. Six downstream migrations were observed. Only one patient could have the stent extracted as scheduled on day 28 and remains symptom-free after 73 months of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Even if stenting appears an effective technique in treating symptomatic CD intestinal strictures, the procedure is associated with a prohibitively high rate of spontaneous migrations and complications.

Endoscopic dilation is an efficacious and safe treatment of intestinal strictures in Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

Bowel strictures are a major cause of morbidity, hospitalisation and surgery in Crohn's disease.

AIM

We report short- and long-term efficacy and safety of endoscopic balloon dilation of strictures due to Crohn's disease.

METHODS

Retrospective study of patients who underwent endoscopic balloon dilation between 1987 and 2009.

RESULTS

We performed 776 dilations, of which 621 (80%) were on anastomotic strictures, in 178 patients (94 women) with Crohn's disease. At first dilation, median (IQR) age of patients was 45 (37-56) years and disease duration 16 (8-22) years. Technical success rate was 689/776 (89%). A subset of 75 patients from the primary catchment area, with >5-year follow-up, underwent a total of 246 dilations. At 1-year follow-up, 60/75 (80%) patients had undergone no further intervention or one additional dilation only. At 3 and 5 years, corresponding figures were 43/75 (57%) and 39/75 (52%). Cumulative proportions of patients undergoing surgery at 1, 3 and 5 years were 13%, 28% and 36%. Complication rate per procedure for all 178 patients was 41/776 (5.3%), bowel perforation (n = 11, 1.4%), major bleeding requiring blood transfusion (n = 8, 1.0%), minor bleeding (n = 10, 1.3%) and abdominal pain or fever (n = 12, 1.5%). Ten patients underwent surgery due to complications (perforation n = 8, bleeding n = 2). There was no procedure-related mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic balloon dilation is an efficacious and safe alternative to surgical resection of intestinal strictures in Crohn's disease. At 5-year follow-up, 52% of patients required no further or one additional dilation only, whereas 36% had undergone surgical resection. Complication frequency was low.

[Endoscopic management of luminal stenosis in inflammatory bowel disease]

Luminal stenosis is frequent in Crohn's disease (CD) due to transmural involvement. Before any endoscopic treatment, the presence of neoplastic stenosis should always be excluded. Endoscopic balloon dilatation has been used in several series to treat benign stenosis, mainly in CD with involvement of the distal ileon, colon or surgical anastomosis, with success rates of 51% to 85%, although recurrence is high. The concomitant use of injected steroids (triamcinolone) after endoscopic dilatation produces longer-lasting results, but there are few published reports. In patients with luminal stenosis refractory to conventional endoscopy, three emerging techniques may be useful: self-expanding metallic stents, biodegradable endoprostheses and intralesional infliximab injection.

Efficacy and safety of endoscopic treatment of ileal pouch strictures

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic management of ileal pouch strictures has not been systemically studied. The aim was to evaluate endoscopic balloon therapy of pouch strictures in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients with ileal pouches and to identify risk factors for pouch failure for those patients.

METHODS

Consecutive IBD patients with pouches from the Pouchitis Clinic who underwent nonfluoroscopy-guided outpatient endoscopic therapy were studied. The location, number, degree (range 0-3), and length of strictures and balloon size were documented. Efficacy and safety were evaluated with univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 150 patients with pouch strictures were studied. Stricture locations were at the pouch inlet (n = 96), outlet (n = 73), afferent limb (n = 33), and pouch body (n = 2). A cumulative of 646 strictures were endoscopically dilated, with a total of 406 pouchoscopies. The median stricture score was 1 (interquartile range [IQR] 1-2); the median stricture length was 1 (IQR 0.5-1.25) cm, and the median balloon size was 20 (IQR 18-20) mm. Of 406 therapeutic endoscopies performed, there were two perforations (0.46%) and four transfusion-required bleeding (0.98%). The 5-, 10-, and 25-year pouch retention rates were 97%, 90.6%, and 85.9%, respectively. In a median follow-up of 9.6 (IQR 6-17) years, 131 patients (87.3%) were able to retain their pouches. The number of strictures and underlying diagnosis were independent risk factors for pouch failure in the Cox regression model.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic treatment of pouch stricture appears to be efficacious and generally safe to perform in experienced hands. Underlying diagnosis of Crohn's disease of the pouch and surgery-related strictures and multiple strictures were the risk factors for pouch failure.

Efficacy and safety of endoscopic balloon dilation of symptomatic intestinal Crohn's disease strictures

AIM

To evaluate prospectively the clinical efficacy and safety of endoscopic hydrostatic balloon dilation in a consecutive cohort of symptomatic intestinal Crohn's disease strictures.

METHODS

Between September 2003 and December 2008 we performed endoscopic balloon dilations in 37 Crohn's disease patients with 39 intestinal symptomatic strictures (4 naïve and 35 postoperative). Dilations were performed using a Rigiflex through-the-scope balloon. Clinical success rate was claimed if a patient remained asymptomatic and did not require surgery or further endoscopic dilation, following technical success. Actuarial curves of clinical, endoscopic (redilation) and surgical recurrence were obtained by Kaplan-Meier method. Demographic and disease variables were related to the main outcomes.

RESULTS

After a mean follow-up of 26.3 months (range, 2-61 months), the long-term global benefit rate was 89% (33/37). The 1-2-3 years cumulative symptom-free rates were respectively: 76%, 55% and 46%. Four patients were operated upon. Technical success predicts a lower rate of surgery. There were no complications related to the endoscopic procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic balloon dilation of symptomatic Crohn's disease strictures may achieve clinical benefit in many patients and is a valid alternative to surgery in the management of the disease. Dilation may be repeated in recurrent intestinal obstructions and appears safe without morbidity.

Intralesional steroid injection after endoscopic balloon dilation in pediatric Crohn's disease with stricture: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) is an attractive conservative therapy for Crohn's disease (CD) with stricture; however, its long-term efficacy has been questioned because many patients require more dilations or postdilation surgery. Most reports are retrospective, and no pediatric data are available.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness of corticosteroid intralesional injection after EBD in preventing stricture recurrence.

DESIGN

Single-center prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.

SETTING

Tertiary-referral university hospital.

PATIENTS

Between November 2005 and January 2009, 29 pediatric patients with stricturing CD were enrolled.

INTERVENTIONS

Enrolled patients were randomized to receive intrastricture injection of corticosteroid (CS) (n = 15) or placebo (n = 14) after EBD. Patients were followed clinically via small intestine contrast US and intestinal magnetic resonance imaging at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months; all underwent colonoscopy 12 months after dilation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Time free of repeat dilation and time free of surgery in the 2 groups.

RESULTS

One of the 15 patients receiving CS required redilation, whereas the latter was needed in 5 of the 14 placebo patients; surgery was needed in 4 of the placebo patients, but in none of those receiving CS. The 2 groups statistically differed in the time free of redilation (P = .04) as well as for time free of surgery after EBD (P = .02), which were worse in the placebo group compared with the CS group. There were no significant differences in baseline demographics between the 2 groups.

LIMITATIONS

Sample size, participation bias, and short-term follow-up.

CONCLUSION

In pediatric CD with stricture, intralesional CS injection after EBD is an effective strategy for reducing the need both for redilation and surgery.

Comparison of strictureplasty and endoscopic balloon dilatation for stricturing Crohn's disease--review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Stricturing Crohn's disease is accompanied by a high-risk for bowel resection and subsequent short bowel syndrome. Strictureplasty (SP) and endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) have been developed to prevent, or at least delay, the requirement for resection. The goal of this study was to compare the outcome of these two procedures with regard to complications and disease recurrence.

METHODS

We conducted a MEDLINE literature search to give a current overview about the safety and efficacy of EBD and SP.

RESULTS

The initial search yielded 744 articles. Case reports, reviews and meta-analyses were excluded. Finally, 63 articles (SP, 40 articles; EBD, 23 articles) were used for the review. None of the studies compared the two methods directly. A total of 2,532 patients (SP, n = 1,958; EBD, n = 574) were included. The incidence of perioperative complications after SP was 11% and the incidence of major complications was 5%. The median surgical recurrence rate was 24% after a median follow-up of 46 months. The median technical success for EBD was 90%. Major complications occurred in 3% of the cases. According to an intention-to-treat protocol, the median surgical recurrence rate was 27.6%. Per-protocol analysis revealed a median surgical recurrence rate of 21.4% after a median follow-up of 21 months.

CONCLUSION

Due to the lack of comparable data, there is currently no reliable information on whether one treatment option is superior to the other. Regarding the limited applicability of EBD in strictures of the small bowel, only a controlled trial would provide evidence as a basis for clinical decision making in CD strictures that are potentially treatable by EBD and SP.