Stenosis is the narrowing or reduction of the internal diameter of the intestine as a result of repeated or chronic inflammatory processes that cause the thickening of all or some of the layers that form the intestinal wall. They are usually characteristic of Crohn's disease, although they also occur in ulcerative colitis.
Stenosis in Crohn's disease may also occur after performing intestinal surgery in the area of surgical anastomosis, as a result of the formation of scar tissue in the area where the ends of the resected intestine meet.
The performance of the technique involves the introduction through the endoscope channel of special balloons of increasing diameters that are inflated with water or air (Image 10). The time that these balls remain in the area with stenosis is usually around 1 minute.
Endoscopic dilation allows to increase the caliber or diameter of the areas of narrowness or intestinal stenosis to improve the obstructive symptoms caused by it and thus avoid surgical treatment.
Is it necessary to make any previous preparation?
Before performing the test, the usual preparation of the endoscopic technique (colonoscopy, enteroscopy or gastroscopy) to be used should be performed depending on the location of the stenosis.
When performing the technique under sedation, it will be necessary to go accompanied on the day of the test and not perform any dangerous activity (driving, working with machinery, etc.) for 24 hours.
In some locations, especially if the stenosis is located in the small intestine, it may require 24-hour admission.
What is the duration of a stenosis dilation?
The duration of the test will depend on the severity and location of the stenosis.