Long-Term Outcome of Endoscopic Balloon Dilation in Obstructive Gastroduodenal Crohn's Disease

Abstract

Background and Study Aims: Although balloon dilation is widely used in nonmalignant pyloric stenosis, little information is available on either the short-term or long-term results of this type of therapy in patients with obstructive gastroduodenal Crohn's disease.

Patients and Methods: Five patients with Crohn's disease who had obstructive gastroduodenal lesions were treated using endoscopic balloon dilation.

Results: All the initial dilations successfully provided symptomatic relief. However, three of the five patients developed recurrent obstructive symptoms during a mean follow-up period of 4.2 years. Due to symptomatic recurrence, three patients required successive or regularly scheduled repeat balloon dilations, which were successful without any complications, and all of the patients were able to avoid surgical intervention.

Conclusions: These results suggest that over a prolonged period of time, patients who have undergone balloon dilation for obstructive gastroduodenal Crohn's disease have a high rate of recurrence of symptomatic gastric obstruction. However, repeat dilations are successful in continuing to prevent the need for surgery.