Non-conventional Versus Conventional Strictureplasties for Crohn's Disease. A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Treatment Outcomes

BACKGROUND: Strictureplasties [SXP] represent an alternative to bowel resection in Crohn's disease [CD]. Over the years, there has been growing interest in the role of non-conventional SXP for the treatment of extensive CD. A systematic review was performed on complications and recurrence following conventional and non-conventional SXP. METHODS: The available literature was screened according to the PRISMA statement, until June 2020. Results were categorised into three groups: studies reporting on conventional SXPs; studies with a mixed cohort of conventional and non-conventional SXPs [% non-conventional SXPs ≤15%]; and studies reporting on non-conventional SXPs. Considered endpoints were postoperative complications and overall and SXP site-specific surgical recurrence. Random-effect meta-analysis and meta-regression were used to obtain and compare combined estimates between groups. RESULTS: A total of 26 studies for a total of 1839 patients with CD were included. The pooled postoperative complication rates were was 15.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 11.2%-20.3%), 7.4% [95% CI 0.2%-22.9%], and 19.2% [95% CI 5-39.6%] for the three groups, respectively. The rates of septic complications were 4% [95% CI 2.2%-6.2%], 1.9% [95% CI 0.4%-4.3%], and 4.2% [95% CI 0.9%-9.8%], respectively. Cumulative overall surgical recurrence rates were 27.5% [95% CI 18.5%-37.6%], 13.2% [95% CI 8.6%-18.7%], and 18.1% [95% CI 6.8%-33.3%]; and SXP site-specific surgical recurrence rates were 13.2% [95% CI 6.9%-21.2%], 8.3% [95% CI 1.6-19.3%], and 8.8% [95% CI 2.2%-19%], respectively. Formal comparison between the groups revealed no differences. CONCLUSIONS: Non-conventional SXP did not differ from conventional SXP with respect to safety and long-term recurrence. Consistent heterogeneity was observed and partially limits the conclusions of this study.