A mesenteric window to approach a posterior side leak after laparoscopic assisted stapled strictureplasty for Crohn's disease

Strictureplasty leak in patients with Crohn's disease increases considerably morbidity rate. Intra-operative evaluation of the integrity of suture line and proficient management of any leakage after strictureplasty is mandatory to prevent post-operative complications. When a leakage is detected at the posterior side, through intra-operative insufflation or methylene blue test, it may be difficult to repair as the suture line is completely covered up by mesentery. The AA. describe the creation of a mesenteric window to reinforce the posterior side of a side-to-side stapled strictureplasty performed by laparoscopic assisted procedure. As far as we know, this new technical strategy may allow avoiding resection of small bowel.