Looking beyond symptom relief: evolution of mucosal healing in inflammatory bowel disease

The focus of effective management of inflammatory bowel disease, especially Crohn's disease, has shifted from short-term symptom control to long-term modification of disease course and complications. Intestinal healing has achieved prominence as a goal of therapy that influences long-term disease course. We review the natural history of inflammatory bowel disease, the markers of disease control that may reflect outcomes and the specific role of mucosal healing. We may aim at better mucosal healing by appropriate choice of therapy, appropriate combinations of therapy and intervening early in the disease course.