Advanced Endoscopic Techniques in the Evaluation and Treatment of Fibrostenotic Crohn's Disease

Abstract

Crohn’s disease is characterized by chronic intestinal inflammation that can result in significant morbidity and loss of intestinal function over time. Many novel treatments for Crohn’s disease are being developed, but a significant portion of patients still requires surgical therapy for structuring or penetrating disease. While the utility of esophagogastroduodenoscopy and ileocolonoscopy in inflammatory bowel disease patients is well established, new endoscopic techniques are being developed to help evaluate previously inaccessible parts of the small intestine and for the treatment of mechanical complications. This review will focus on video capsule endoscopy, small bowel enteroscopy, endoscopic balloon dilation, as well as other more novel investigational endoscopic therapies currently available.