Endoscopic surveillance strategies for dysplasia in ulcerative colitis

Abstract

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disorder with an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). This has led to the implementation of surveillance programmes to minimise this risk. Overall, these proactive programmes in association with better medical therapies have reduced the incidence of CRC in this population. Specific populations remain at increased risk, such as younger age at diagnosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, colonic strictures and pseudopolyps. The majority of gastrointestinal international societies favour chromoendoscopy with targeted biopsies or random biopsies. The aim of this review is to present the current literature on dysplasia surveillance, the methodology and endoscopic technology available to assess dysplasia in UC.