Endoscopic stricturotomy with pulsed argon plasma and balloon dilation for refractory benign colorectal strictures: a case series.

Benign strictures of the colon and rectum affect a sizable portion of patients who have an underlying inflammatory disease or who have undergone recent surgery. Etiologies include inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), post-surgical ischemia, anastomotic strictures, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and complicated diverticulitis. Refractory colorectal strictures are very difficult to manage and often require repeated and different treatment options. We report a novel technique using argon plasma coagulation (APC) with endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) as a safe and effective treatment modality for refractory benign colorectal strictures. Four patients with symptomatic benign colorectal strictures were referred for endoscopic treatment. In all cases (two females and two males; average age 62 years), the endoscopic and radiographic assessment showed significant strictures (diameter, 4-13 mm). The stricture was secondary to Crohn's disease in one patient and anastomotic strictures in the other three patients. Endoscopic stricturotomy through fulguration and tissue destruction using argon plasma at 1.5 liters/minute, effect 2, and 40 watts was performed, followed by EBD. All patients were treated by one advanced endoscopist. The primary outcomes were the efficiency and safety of endoscopic stricturotomy with pulsed argon plasma and balloon dilation. The resolution of stricture was achieved in all patients. No complications were reported. We believe that combined APC with EBD is a safe and effective technique in the treatment of benign colonic stricture.