An ileal stricture is a narrowing of the ileum, the last part of your small intestine. This constriction makes it harder for food and digestive fluids to move through, often leading to pain and other digestive problems.
People with an ileal stricture may notice:
Several factors can lead to the development of an ileal stricture:
At our Katy clinic, GastroDoxs provides specialized expertise in diagnosing and treating ileal strictures. We combine advanced imaging, minimally invasive therapies, and personalized care plans-all delivered with compassion and clear communication-to help you regain comfort and digestive health.
Ready for relief? Call us at 832-632-4070 or book your appointment online today and take the first step toward a pain-free life.
We've successfully treated more than 667 patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
An ileal stricture is a narrowing in the ileum, which is the last part of the small intestine. This constriction can slow or block the passage of food and lead to pain and digestive issues.
Typical signs include abdominal pain or cramping, bloating, nausea or vomiting, changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea), and unintended weight loss or poor appetite.
Strictures often arise from long-term inflammation (as seen in stricturing Crohn's disease), scar tissue after ileal pouch surgery, radiation injury, surgical adhesions, or other ongoing inflammatory processes.
Diagnosis may involve imaging studies such as CT or MRI enterography, endoscopic evaluation, and sometimes contrast X-rays to pinpoint the location and severity of the narrowing.
At GastroDoxs, we offer anti-inflammatory medications, biologics or steroids, balloon dilation to gently stretch the stricture, and stent placement in select cases, alongside tailored dietary guidance.
Balloon dilation often provides significant relief and can delay or eliminate the need for surgery in many patients, though repeat procedures may be necessary if strictures recur.
Surgery-such as strictureplasty or bowel resection-is considered when strictures are severe, recurrent, or unresponsive to medication and dilation. It's typically a last-resort option.
Most patients experience substantial improvement within 2 to 4 weeks post-surgery, though full recovery can vary based on overall health and the extent of the procedure.
ICD-10 code: K56.5 (intestinal obstruction due to strictures); ICD-9 code: 560.1 (intestinal obstruction, unspecified).
Our local specialists combine years of experience with advanced diagnostic and therapeutic tools, clear communication, assistance with medical coding, and compassionate, patient-centered care.
