Comparing Endoscopic Strictureplasty vs. Balloon Dilation in Crohn's Disease Strictures

Experimental Group: In the experimental group, 51 patients underwent endoscopic stricturoplasty. A transparent cap was mounted on the front end of the endoscope, and a needle knife was inserted through the working channel of the endoscope. Under direct visualization, a radial incision was made at the site of the stricture, with an effort to preserve normal mucosal tissue as much as possible. The stricture was gradually incised until the endoscope could smoothly pass through.

Control Group: In the control group, 51 patients underwent endoscopic balloon dilation. The endoscope was advanced to the site of the stricture, and a dilation guidewire was inserted. After placing the balloon, it was progressively inflated with pressure, each inflation lasting 1-2 minutes, and this process was repeated 2-3 times until the endoscope and sheath could pass through the narrowed segment and enter the distal colon.