[Treatment of inflammatory bowel disease-relevant strictures by double balloon enteroscopy]

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) and endoscopic stricturotomy with needle knife (NKSt) in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD)-relevant strictures. 
 Methods: From July 2015 to September 2018, 14 patients undergoing double balloon-enteroscopy at the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University were enrolled. There was a total of 16 lesions. Endoscopic intervention was performed for 16 times. EBD was done for 11 times, and 5 stricturotomies were carried out. Regular follow-up and examinations were done to observe whether there was remission or recurrence of clinical symptoms and replacement surgery.
 Results: All 14 patients were successfully treated by endoscopy, and the success rate was 100%. Postoperative clinical symptoms were alleviated, and serious complications, such as perforation or hemorrhaging, did not occur. Obstructive symptoms were effectively alleviated at a median follow-up of 26.1 months (5.9-35.3 months) and 8.3 months (1.6-17.8 months) for patients with balloon dilatation and stricturotomy, respectively. Two patients presented with symptoms of obstruction. These were given conservative symptomatic treatment without surgical intervention.
 Conclusion: Enteroscopic treatments (EBD and NKSt) are safe and effective for intestinal strictures, and can prolong the time before surgical intervention is needed.