Extractible self-expandable metal stent in the treatment of Crohn's disease anastomotic strictures

Abstract

Stricture at the site of the ileocolonic anastomosis is a common complication in patients with Crohn's disease after surgical resection. In these patients, endoscopic balloon dilation has been developed as an alternative to iterative surgery. The rate of immediate success is excellent, but consecutive dilations are required in 50 % of cases [1]. First attempts to increase the efficacy of dilation long term by using a fully covered self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) have failed because of early stent migration [2]. Here we report on our preliminary experience of a new stent that includes an antimigratory design, in patients with postsurgical ileocolonic Crohn's disease stricture.