EL-CHIRProspective Study to Evaluate the Role of Shear-Wave Elastography in Predicting the Degree of Intestinal Fibrosis in Patients With Crohn's Disease Who Are Candidates for Surgery - ElChir Study

This study aims to explore a new way to determine the right time for surgery in patients with Crohn's disease, specifically those with ileal or ileo-colonic involvement. In Crohn's disease, some parts of the intestine may become inflamed or fibrotic (hardened), and knowing the degree of fibrosis can help decide if surgery is needed. Shear-wave elastography, a non-invasive technique that measures tissue stiffness, might be a useful tool for this purpose. The study seeks to compare the results from shear-wave elastography with the actual level of fibrosis found during surgery. This could lead to better decision-making about when surgery should happen, potentially improving patient outcomes. Participants in this study will include patients who are scheduled for ileo-cecal resection surgery due to Crohn's disease. The study involves several steps: first, patients will undergo an ultrasound to locate the affected intestinal loop, followed by a shear-wave elastography test using different machines and methods. After surgery, the fibrosis in the removed tissue will be assessed by a pathologist. Additional tests will include blood samples and the collection of fecal and urine samples for further analysis before and after surgery. These procedures are part of regular clinical practice, with the exception of the additional sample collections, which aim to investigate potential biomarkers related to fibrosis. By comparing these results, researchers hope to find reliable elastography measurements that can predict the presence and severity of intestinal fibrosis.