Treatment of esophageal Crohn's disease by enteral feeding via percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy

Abstract

Background: Crohn's disease of the esophagus is rare, and medical treatment often ineffective. Complications such as abscess and fistula may arise, and the morbidity of surgery is high.

Methods: Two cases of refractory esophageal Crohn's disease were confirmed by endoscopy and biopsy. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomies (PEGs) were inserted and used for enteral nutrition for 9 and 1 month, respectively.

Results: The PEGs were well tolerated. Symptoms subsided rapidly, and later gastroscopies confirmed healing of the esophageal ulcers. No complications occurred, and the gastrostomy sites closed quickly after removal of the tubes, with minimal scarring.

Conclusions: Enteral feeding via PEG appears to be safe and well tolerated and may be of great value in the management not only of esophageal Crohn's disease but also of refractory disease at other sites.