Balloon Dilation
For less serious strictures, a procedure can be performed to postpone or avoid surgery in the patient. Balloon dilation can be done during colonoscopy; it requires the insertion of an uninflated balloon through the bowel to the point of stricturing.
The balloon is then inflated to stretch out and open up the affected area. Sometimes the effect only lasts a short while, but in other instances a dilation can be an effective solution to remedy stricturing for a long period of time.
Risks associated with balloon dilation are that the section of bowel in question is so deeply scarred that rupturing may occur. Therefore, this procedure can only be performed after careful consideration and studying the condition of the patient living with crohns disease.