stricturoplasty
Pronunciation: STRIK-chur-oh-plas-tee
A bowel-preserving surgical technique that widens intestinal strictures without removing bowel segments.
Full Definition
Stricturoplasty is a surgical technique designed to relieve intestinal obstruction caused by strictures while preserving bowel length. This procedure is particularly valuable in Crohn's disease patients who may have multiple strictures and limited bowel length due to previous resections. The technique involves making strategic incisions across the strictured area and closing them in a way that widens the intestinal lumen. Common methods include the Heineke-Mikulicz technique for short strictures and the Finney technique for longer strictures. The procedure helps avoid short gut syndrome while effectively relieving obstruction, though it carries risks of leak and recurrent stricture formation.
Usage
Usage note: Specify technique used (Heineke-Mikulicz, Finney, etc.) in operative reports.
In Context
- "Multiple stricturoplasties were performed to preserve bowel length in this Crohn's patient." — operative report
- "Stricturoplasty is preferred over resection when bowel preservation is critical." — surgical consultation note