Role of endoscopy in diagnosis of Crohn’s disease and chronic ulcerative colitis

While multiple diagnostic studies are often necessary to diagnose inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), endoscopy is still considered the gold standard. Endoscopy is critical in the initial evaluation and necessary to exclude other etiologies that can present with similar signs and symptoms. Endoscopy, defined as colonoscopy with ileoscopy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), provides the most accurate assessment of disease extent and severity. Colonoscopy with ileoscopy is essential for the initial diagnosis of IBD. While EGD is not necessary in all patients, it can provide significant information, particularly in evaluating Crohn’s disease. The role of endoscopy in the diagnosis of IBD with key endoscopic findings will be detailed in this chapter.