Efficacy and safety of hydrostatic balloon dilation of ileocolonic Crohn's strictures. A prospective long-term analysis.

Gastro-intestinal stricture frequently is a complication in Crohn's disease and often recurs after surgical resection. Stenosis with acute inflammation can be treated by anti-inflammatory medication. A conservative approach of sclerotic strictures has been possible since the introduction of Gruentzig balloon catheters for dilating stenosis in different parts of the gastro-intestinal tract. We present a prospective follow-up study in 55 patients, on the long-term results and safety of hydrostatic balloon dilations of ileo-colonic Crohn's strictures.