Endoscopic Therapy in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Endoscopic Medicine

Background:

• Endoscopy is a vital tool for diagnosing and treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
• It aids in managing complications like strictures, neoplasia, and fistulas.
• Its role in in vivo molecular imaging for IBD is under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current applications and emerging technologies of endoscopic therapy in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
• To evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic interventions for IBD-related complications.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted using Medline and Science Citation Index from 1980 to March 2015.
• Studies were screened by title and abstract, focusing on endoscopic therapy in IBD.
• Keywords included 'endoscopy IBD', 'dilatation IBD', 'strictureplasty Crohn's disease', and 'molecular imaging IBD'.

Main Results:

• Endoscopic dilatation is effective for short anastomotic strictures and colonic strictures.
• Resection of intraepithelial neoplasia is feasible when complete removal is assured; high-grade dysplasia or carcinoma on biopsy indicates colectomy.
• Endoscopic therapy for Crohn's fistulas is an emerging area, and in vivo molecular imaging shows therapeutic promise for IBD.

Conclusions:

• Therapeutic endoscopy is indispensable for managing IBD, often providing an effective alternative to surgery.
• Careful evaluation against surgical options is necessary.
• Emerging techniques like molecular imaging offer future therapeutic potential in IBD management.