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World J Gastrointest Endosc. Jun 16, 2012; 4(6): 201-211
Published online Jun 16, 2012. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v4.i6.201
Published online Jun 16, 2012. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v4.i6.201
Endoscopy in inflammatory bowel disease when and why
Rajaratnam Rameshshanker, Naila Arebi, Department of Gastroenterology, St Mark’s Hospital, Watford Road, London, HA1 3UJ, United Kingdom.
Author contributions: Rameshshanker R and Arebi N both equally contributed to this paper.
Correspondence to: Dr. Rajaratnam Rameshshanker, MB, MRCP, Department of Gastroenterology, St Mark’s Hospital, Watford Road, London, HA1 3UJ, United Kingdom. rameshshan777@yahoo.co.uk
Telephone: +44-208-2354084 Fax: +44-208-2354093
Received: August 25, 2011
Revised: November 21, 2011
Accepted: May 27, 2012
Published online: June 16, 2012
Revised: November 21, 2011
Accepted: May 27, 2012
Published online: June 16, 2012
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: Colonoscopy; Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy; Capsule endoscopy; Enteroscopy; Ulcerative colitis; Crohn’s disease; Dysplasia; Endoscopist