Dr. Rishi Chadha, MD is a board‑certified gastroenterologist who specializes in preventive gastroenterology, colorectal cancer screening, and minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. He completed his fellowship at Sunrise Health GME in Las Vegas and previously trained in internal medicine at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut.
An ileal stricture is a narrowing in the last part of your small intestine, called the ileum. This tight segment can block or slow the passage of food, leading over time to symptoms such as pain, bloating and other digestion problems.
Dr. Chadha begins by reviewing your symptoms, Crohn's or IBD history, prior surgeries or infections, family risk factors, lifestyle habits, and a focused abdominal exam to pinpoint discomfort or signs of obstruction.
Lab work checks for elevated inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR), anemia from chronic blood loss, and nutritional deficiencies that often accompany strictures.
A flexible scope is passed through the mouth (upper endoscopy) or rectum (colonoscopy) to directly view and measure the ileal narrowing, assess its length, and take biopsies if needed.
Precise coding (e.g., K50.019 for Crohn's with ileal stricture) ensures accurate records for treatment planning and insurance authorization.
Dr. Rishi Chadha, MD is a board‑certified gastroenterologist who specializes in preventive gastroenterology, colorectal cancer screening, and minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. He completed his fellowship at Sunrise Health GME in Las Vegas and previously trained in internal medicine at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut.
It's a narrowing in the last part of the small intestine (the ileum) that can block or slow the passage of food.
Chronic inflammation from Crohn's disease is the most common cause. Past surgeries, infections, radiation, family history of IBD, smoking, and NSAID use can also lead to strictures.
Common signs include lower right abdominal pain or cramps, bloating after meals, early satiety, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, and unintentional weight loss.
Diagnosis involves a detailed health history and exam, blood tests for inflammation or anemia, imaging (CT scan or MR enterography), and endoscopy or colonoscopy to visualize and measure the narrowing.
Surgery is considered if medications and endoscopic dilation don-t relieve symptoms or clear the blockage. Options include strictureplasty, laparoscopic resection, or open surgery.
Yes. Eating small, soft, low-fiber meals, staying hydrated, and avoiding gas-forming or fizzy drinks can ease discomfort during flare-ups.
The ICD-10 code for Crohn's disease with an ileal stricture is K50.019.
Most patients return to normal activities within 1 to 3 days after dilation.
Yes. It's a minimally invasive procedure with a low risk of complications. Rarely, bleeding or a small tear (perforation) may occur.
Most insurance plans cover diagnostic tests and treatments for ileal strictures. Our team will assist you in verifying your coverage.
