Defining small bowel strictures

Background Strictures of the intestine can be difficult to detect despite current radiological techniques. Aim To review our experience with a new Foley catheter technique. Method Three cases are reviewed in which a Foley catheter was used to identify a fibrous stricture. Results A Foley catheter with an inflated 10ml balloon inserted through an enterotomy successfully identified the site of stricture in three cases of fibrous stricture obstruction. Conclusion A Foley catheter inserted through an enterotomy is a useful method of identifying fibrous strictures.