Why is this important?

Endoscopy, imaging and histology play an essential role in the diagnosis, management, prognosis and surveillance of IBD.

We know that any delay in assessment and diagnosis, or timely intervention, can lead to complications and affect someone’s quality of life. What’s more, severe symptoms require urgent specialist assessment – and, depending on clinical need, this might include an emergency hospital admission. No one with suspected IBD should wait more than 4 weeks from referral for a specialist assessment. Equally, prompt and effective flare management is very important.

All this only underlines the importance of accessing investigations (and their results) in the right timeframe. It’s an essential step in ensuring that the right treatment is put in place as quickly as possible for the best outcomes.

Referral pathways will help reduce inappropriate referrals for endoscopy, and free up slots for those who need them more urgently.

Investigations should always take place in an age-appropriate, specialist setting.

Guidance and further information

• ECCO-ESGAR Guideline for Diagnostic Assessment in IBD Part 1: Initial diagnosis, monitoring of known IBD, detection of complications
• ECCO-ESGAR Guideline for Diagnostic Assessment in IBD Part 2: IBD scores and general principles and technical aspects
• BSG guidelines on inflammatory bowel disease biopses
• European consensus on the histopathology of inflammatory bowel disease.
• ECCO e-guide: histological assessment, Crohn’s Disease
• ECCO e-guide: histological assessment, Ulcerative Colitis
• European evidence-based consensus for endoscopy in inflammatory bowel disease
• Endoscopy in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Position Paper on Behalf of the Porto IBD Group of the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
• Joint Advisory Group on GI Endoscopy: JAG accreditation standards
• Crohn’s & Colitis UK: Tests and Investigations for IBD