Small bowel strictures.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Strictures of the small bowel are an underdiagnosed entity with significant morbidity because of obstruction and risk of perforation and penetrating disease.

RECENT FINDINGS: Recent advances in imaging, enteroscopy, and therapeutic advances particularly in Crohn's disease have enabled gastroenterologists to target and individualize management of small bowel strictures, preventing untimely surgery and complications.

SUMMARY: All patients with obstructive symptoms, suspected small bowel disease, and negative panendoscopy should be evaluated for small intestinal strictures with cross-sectional imaging and considered for capsule endoscopy. Furthermore, the role of device-assisted enteroscopy, initially employed as a diagnostic tool, has evolved into triaging and delivering further medical and interventional treatments.