Endoscopic balloon dilation of Crohn's disease strictures-safety, efficacy and clinical impact

To evaluate the incidence of anastomotic strictures after intestinal resection in Crohn's disease (CD), demonstrate long-term efficacy and safety of endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) in CD strictures and its impact on the diagnosis of subclinical postoperative endoscopic recurrence.

Retrospective single tertiary center study based on prospectively collected data between 2010 and 2015 including anastomotic and non-anastomotic strictures.

29% of 162 CD patients included developed an anastomotic stricture. 43 patients with anastomotic strictures and 37 with non-anastomotic strictures underwent EBD; technical success was 97.7% and 100%, respectively, however, 63% and 41% needed repeat dilation during the 4.4-year follow-up. Longer periods between surgery and index colonoscopy and higher lactoferrin levels were associated with the presence of stricture after surgery. Calprotectin levels > 83.35 μg/g and current or past history of smoking were associated with a shorter time until need for dilation (HR = 3.877, 95%CI: 1.480-10.152 and HR = 3.041, 95%CI: 1.213-7.627). Anastomotic strictures had a greater need for repeat dilation (63% vs 41%, P = 0.047). No differences were found between asymptomatic and symptomatic cohorts. Disease recurrence diagnosis was only possible after EBD in a third of patients.

EBD is an effective and safe alternative to surgery, with a good short and long-term outcome, postponing or even avoiding further surgery. EBD may allow to diagnose disease recurrence in patients with no clinical signs/biomarkers of disease activity.