There are various ways a stricture in the colon can be treated. Malignant stricture almost always requires surgery.
Balloon dilation may be done. A scope with a light and camera is placed into your colon. A balloon is placed over a guidewire and inflated in the narrow area. Doctor will inflate the balloon several times for short periods. The inflated balloon pushes against the narrow wall and opens it.
A stent may need to be placed to open the stricture. A stent is a metal coil. The stent will be left in place to keep the stricture open.
Surgery may be needed if balloon dilation does not work. It may also be needed if your doctor is not able to reach the stricture with a scope. There are 2 types of surgery:
– A resection is used to remove the part of the intestine that has the stricture. Then, the remaining two ends or two sides are sewn together.
– A stricturoplasty may be done but less so in colonic stricture.