Comparing two endoscopic treatments for Crohn's disease strictures

Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Endoscopic Balloon Dilation Versus Endoscopic Stricturotomy for Short Strictures (< 3 cm) Related to Crohn's Disease (the BEST-CD Trial)

Not applicable Interventional Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, India · NCT05521867

This study is testing whether endoscopic balloon dilation or endoscopic stricturotomy works better for treating blockages caused by Crohn's disease in patients with obstructive symptoms.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment96 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorAsian Institute of Gastroenterology, India Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hyderabad, Telangana)
Trial IDNCT05521867 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) and endoscopic stricturotomy (EST) in treating short strictures caused by Crohn's disease. Conducted at the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology in India, the study will include eligible patients with obstructive symptoms due to either de-novo or anastomotic strictures. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either EBD or EST, and various clinical outcomes will be measured, including technical success, symptomatic improvement, and complications. The study seeks to provide a clearer understanding of which treatment modality is superior in managing Crohn's disease-related strictures.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with a confirmed diagnosis of Crohn's disease experiencing obstructive symptoms due to short strictures.

Not a fit: Patients with long strictures, predominantly ulcerated strictures, or those under 18 years old may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment options for patients with Crohn's disease, potentially reducing the need for surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While EBD has been established as a treatment, the comparative effectiveness of EBD and EST has not been previously tested in a randomized controlled manner, making this a novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria Primary confirmed diagnosis of CD with obstructive symptoms

1. Gastro-duodenal and ileo-colonic strictures (both de novo and anastomotic strictures)
2. Short strictures (\<3 cm)
3. Fibrotic or mixed stricture (predominantly fibrotic)
4. Strictures treated with either EST or EBD.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. No established diagnosis of CD;
2. No endoscopic therapy; and
3. A combination therapy of EST and EBD at the onset
4. Small bowel CD related stricture requiring enteroscopy guided dilation
5. Predominantly ulcerated strictures (mixed or pure ulcerated strictures)
6. Long strictures (\>3 cm)
7. Pediatric Patients (\<18 years)
8. Pregnant or lactating mother
9. Not willing to participate

Where this trial is running

Hyderabad, Telangana

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Crohn DiseaseEndoscopic balloon dilationEndoscopic stricturotomyCrohn's disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.