Endoscopy 2003; 35(4): 333-337
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-38145
Original Article
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Long-Acting Steroid Injection after Endoscopic Dilation of Anastomotic Crohn’s Strictures May Improve the Outcome: A Retrospective Case Series

J.  C.  Brooker 1 , C.  G.  Beckett 2 , B.  P.  Saunders 1 , M.  J.  Benson 2
  • 1 Wolfson Unit for Endoscopy, St. Mark’s Hospital, London, United Kingdom
  • 2 St. Helier Hospital, Carshalton, Surrey, United Kingdom
Further Information

Publication History

Submitted 8 March 2002

Accepted after Revision 10 September 2002

Publication Date:
27 March 2003 (online)

Background and Study Aims: Endoscopic balloon dilation of Crohn’s strictures is widely practised, but may not result in long-term symptomatic benefit, leading to the need for repeat dilation or surgery. It is hypothesized that long-acting steroid injection into strictures after dilation may decrease the need for further stricture dilation and improve the outcome in symptomatic patients.
Patients and Methods: Patients with Crohn’s disease who have had balloon dilation and triamcinolone injection performed for symptomatic anastomotic strictures were identified from endoscopy records. Case notes were reviewed to determine outcomes.
Results: Fourteen patients underwent a total of 26 dilations, with triamcinolone injected (median dose 20 mg, 10 - 40 mg) in 20 of the procedures. Seven patients (50 %) had sustained remission after a single dilation and steroid injection, with a median follow-up period of 16.4 months (range 13.2 - 22.0 months). Four patients (28.5 %) required more than one dilation (median three dilations, range two to four) to control their symptoms, with a median follow-up period of 27.8 months (range 14 - 32.8 months). Endoscopic management failed in three patients (21.4 %), who were referred for surgery. There were no complications due to dilation or triamcinolone injection.
Conclusions: Triamcinolone injection into the stricture after dilation is safe, easy to perform, and may be a useful adjunct in the management of anastomotic Crohn’s strictures. These data will require further support through a randomized and controlled trial.

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J. Brooker, M.B.B.S.

Wolfson Unit for Endoscopy · St. Mark’s Hospital · Northwick Park

London HA1 3UJ · United Kingdom

Fax: + 44-20-8423-3588

Email: j.brooker@ic.ac.uk