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Ileal Stricture
At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Nghia Nguyen specializes in diagnosing and treating ileal strictures, helping patients with Crohn's disease. Offering advanced imaging, endoscopic dilation, medication management, and personalized nutritional guidance, our team delivers care to restore intestinal health and comfort.
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Crohn's disease - chronic inflammation leading to scarring
Past abdominal surgery - adhesions and scar tissue formation
Radiation therapy - tissue damage and fibrosis
Severe infections or injury - post-inflammatory stricturing
Signs and Symptoms
Belly cramps or pain, especially after eating
Bloating and excessive gas
Changes in bowel habits: diarrhea or constipation
Nausea or vomiting if the obstruction is significant
Unintended weight loss and poor appetite
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses This Condition?
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History & Physical Exam
She reviews your symptoms (pain, bloating, bowel changes), prior abdominal surgeries, and any history of Crohn's disease. A focused exam checks for abdominal tenderness, distension, or palpable masses.
Imaging Studies
CT Enterography - Visualizes the small bowel to locate and measure strictures, assess surrounding inflammation, and rule out complications.
MRI Enterography - Offers high-resolution images of intestinal walls and strictures without radiation exposure.
Endoscopic Evaluation
A small-caliber endoscope is advanced into the ileum to directly inspect the narrowed segment, assess its length and severity, and obtain biopsies if needed.
Laboratory Tests
Blood work evaluates anemia, nutritional deficiencies, and inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR). Stool studies rule out infectious causes of obstruction or diarrhea.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for ileal strictures.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Eat low-fiber foods to prevent bulky stool
Consume small, frequent meals
Stay hydrated to keep stool soft
Work with our dietitians for personalized guidance
2. Medications
Steroids or 5-ASA agents to reduce inflammation
Immunomodulators and biologics for long-term control
Antibiotics to address bacterial overgrowth
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Endoscopic balloon dilation for outpatient widening of the stricture
Strictureplasty to expand the intestine without removing segments
Laparoscopic resection and anastomosis to remove and reconnect damaged bowel
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ICD-10 code for ileal stricture?
The code is K56.5. For Crohn's-related cases, it may be K50.012.
Can Crohn's disease cause multiple strictures?
Yes. Crohn's disease can lead to several narrow areas forming in the intestine.
How long does balloon dilation relief last?
Relief typically lasts 1 to 3 years. Some patients need repeat dilation, while others avoid surgery altogether.
Is there a cure for Crohn's-related ileal stricture?
Crohn's is chronic, but medical treatment controls inflammation and helps prevent new strictures. Surgery can restore normal bowel flow when needed.
When can I return to normal activities after surgery?
Most patients go home in 2-3 days and can resume light activities within 1-2 weeks.
Are there non-surgical options for severe strictures?
If balloon dilation isn't possible, surgery may be required. Dr. Nguyen always considers the least invasive options first.
Where does Dr. Nguyen treat ileal strictures in Houston?
Dr. Nguyen sees patients at our GastroDoxs clinic in the Texas Medical Center, near Memorial Hermann and MD Anderson.
