Endoscopy in inflammatory bowel disease when and why

World J Gastrointest Endosc. 2012 Jun 16;4(6):201-11. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v4.i6.201.

Abstract

Endoscopy plays an important role in the diagnosis and management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is useful to exclude other aetiologies, differentiate between ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), and define the extent and activity of inflammation. Ileocolonoscopy is used for monitoring of the disease, which in turn helps to optimize the management. It plays a key role in the surveillance of UC for dysplasia or neoplasia and assessment of post operative CD. Capsule endoscopy and double balloon enteroscopy are increasingly used in patients with CD. Therapeutic applications relate to stricture dilatation and dysplasia resection. The endoscopist's role is vital in the overall management of IBD.

Keywords: Capsule endoscopy; Colonoscopy; Crohn’s disease; Dysplasia; Endoscopist; Enteroscopy; Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy; Ulcerative colitis.