Editorial: Can stenosis in ileal Crohn's disease be prevented by current therapy?

Diagnostic delay is common with Crohn's disease (CD), especially with ileitis. Recent data show that diagnostic delay is associated with an increased risk of bowel stenosis and intestinal surgery. It is nonetheless unclear whether early diagnosis and treatment can truly prevent CD stenosis. Available cohort studies suggest that CD stricture formation occurs over a fixed time course. Current therapies have also not been shown to reduce the risk of ileal stenosis or rates of surgery, and there are no available therapies to reverse existing fibrosis. Development of medications that target fibrosis is an important area of research.