✦ BOWEL-SPARING CROHN'S SURGERY

Stricturoplasty

Q: Why is bowel preservation so important?

Repeated bowel resections in Crohn's can lead to short bowel syndrome, with malabsorption, nutritional deficiencies, and poor quality of life. Stricturoplasty preserves bowel length and prevents this.

Q: Will the strictures come back?

Recurrence at the strictureplasty site is uncommon — about 5% over many years. Maintenance medical therapy and regular follow-up significantly reduce overall recurrence risk.

Q: Can stricturoplasty be combined with resection?

Yes. In patients with multiple strictures, severe disease in one area may need resection while other strictures are treated with stricturoplasty in the same surgery, balancing disease control with bowel preservation.

Q: Will I still need medications after stricturoplasty?

Yes, most patients continue maintenance medical therapy after surgery to reduce disease activity and prevent further strictures. The regimen is decided in coordination with your gastroenterologist.

Bowel-sparing technique for Crohn's disease — narrowed bowel segments are widened without removing any bowel, preserving valuable intestine length for long-term nutrition and quality of life.

120–180 min PROCEDURE

4–6 Days HOSPITAL STAY

>90% SUCCESS RATE

4–6 Weeks RETURN TO WORK

What is Stricturoplasty?

Stricturoplasty is a specialised bowel-sparing surgical technique for Crohn's disease in which narrowed segments of bowel (strictures) are widened without removing any intestine. By preserving valuable bowel length, stricturoplasty avoids the long-term nutritional and functional problems of repeated bowel resections, especially important for patients with multiple strictures or those who have already had previous bowel surgery. Dr. Tejasree Vengala performs stricturoplasty at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad, with attention to careful technique and bowel preservation.

Suitable for patients with Crohn's disease with multiple bowel strictures, those who have had previous bowel resections, or anyone where preserving bowel length is critical for long-term function.

How the Procedure Works

Anaesthesia & Preparation

Surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. The abdomen is prepared, and a urinary catheter is placed.

Stricture Identification

All strictured segments are identified through laparotomy or laparoscopy, with careful inspection of the entire small bowel.

Strictureplasty Selection

The most appropriate technique (Heineke-Mikulicz, Finney, or Michelassi) is chosen based on stricture length and number.

Bowel Widening

Each stricture is opened lengthwise and closed crosswise (or other technique), widening the lumen without removing any bowel.

Closure & Recovery

The incisions are closed in layers. Patients are mobilised the next day, started on liquids, and discharged in 4–6 days.

Outcomes

120–180 minDURATION

4–6 DaysHOSPITAL STAY

>90%SUCCESS RATE

8–12 WeeksFULL RECOVERY

Who Needs This Treatment?

→Preserves valuable bowel length
→Effective treatment for multiple strictures in one surgery
→Avoids short bowel syndrome from repeated resections
→Significantly improves obstructive symptoms
→Can address multiple strictures in a single operation
→Particularly valuable in young patients with long-term disease ahead

Stricturoplasty is one of the kindest operations in Crohn's surgery — every centimetre of bowel we save matters for the patient's long-term nutrition. For young patients facing decades of disease, this single principle can change the course of their life.

— — Dr. Tejasree Vengala, Consultant Proctologist & Laparoscopic Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is bowel preservation so important?+

Will the strictures come back?+

Can stricturoplasty be combined with resection?+

Will I still need medications after stricturoplasty?+

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

Book a consultation with Dr. Tejasree Vengala and get a personalised treatment plan.

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