| [ Summary ] |
Since the establishment of the procedures for balloon-assisted enteroscopy in the early 21st century, various therapeutic approaches have become applicable to patients with Crohn's disease. Endoscopic balloon dilation for small bowel stricture is the most widely accepted procedure, the efficacy of which has been rigorously investigated in Japan. Stent placement can also be applicable, especially in colonic and anastomotic strictures in Crohn's disease, but the efficacy and adverse eff ects of this procedure for small bowel strictures remain to be elucidated. In Western countries, endoscopic approaches for inflammatory and fistulous lesions, particularly in the anorectal region, are under investigation. Endoscopic approaches may include topical injections of longacting steroids, biologics, and stem cells, as well as fistulotomy with the use of clips and novel suture devices. Such endoscopic interventions are candidates for applications to the small bowel in the near future. |