Improved diagnostic accuracy of inflammatory bowel disease: a clinicopathological collaborative approach

Although colonic biopsies have become a major source of information to the clinician investigating cases of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), there are still some difficulties in making definitive diagnoses. This article looks into these challenges and possible ways of dealing with them. We strongly recommend supplying the pathologist with full clinical, radiological and endoscopic information with the request form. The pathologist may then issue a preliminary working report, while the final report should be reached at the much needed regular clinicopathological conference.