Abstract
A 26-year-old man had acute abdomen and underwent emergency operation in May 1997. The small intestine was perforated about 30cm proximal to the end of ileum. Partial resection of the small intestine with end-to-end anastomosis was performed. The diagnosis of Crohn's disease was made. In December 1999 when he was admitted to the hospital for the treatment of perianal abscess, the patient developed nausea. Barium study showed an heal stricture, 1cm in length. Endoscopic balloon dilation using Microvasive Regiflex TTS® balloon catheter for the large intestine (outer diameter 12mm and 15mm) was performed 4 times in 3 months. Since then, there have been no signs to suggest the digestive tract passage disorder. There is no definite view on the long-term effect of endoscopic balloon dilation. However, we think that endoscopic dilation seems to be a valuable therapeutic approach for small intestinal stenosis associated with Crohn's disease, which should be attempted to prevent repeated surgical operation.
