Strictureplasty

Strictureplasty is a surgical procedure performed in response to scar tissue that has built up in the intestinal wall from inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn's disease. As such scar tissue builds up, a "stricture", or a narrowing of the bowel, may result. The surgery involves the physician cutting out the involved length of bowel, making a cut lengthwise along the resected bowel, and suturing the bowel widthwise. (Imagine cutting a paper towel tube along its length, then taping the two short ends together to form a new tube. This is analogous to a strictureplasty.)  This has the effect of shortening and widening the segment of bowel thus resolving the stricture. The process can be completed in multiple places along the bowel in one surgical session. This procedure can be preferable in those who have already had bowel resections and are at risk for short bowel syndrome.

The procedure is generally safe and effective for the near to long term. However, almost half of patients require re-operation. The procedure is relatively new (about 10 years old) and is most effective in the jejunum and ileum of the small intestine but not as effective in the duodenum (the first section of the small intestine).