Results of the 9th Scientific Workshop of the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation (ECCO): Artificial Intelligence in Endoscopy, Radiology and Histology in IBD Diagnostics.

In this review, a comprehensive overview of the current state of artificial intelligence (AI) research in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) diagnostics in the domains of endoscopy, radiology and histology is presented. Moreover, key considerations for development of AI algorithms in medical image analysis are discussed. AI presents a potential breakthrough in real-time, objective and rapid endoscopic assessment, with implications for predicting disease progression.

Results of the 9th Scientific Workshop of the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation (ECCO): Artificial Intelligence in medical management and precision medicine.

Background And Aims: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being applied in various fields of medicine, including Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD). This systematic review, conducted as part of the ECCO 9th Scientific Workshop on AI in IBD, explores AI applications in multiomic precision medicine, large language models (LLMs) for textual tasks and utilisation of wearable and remote care technologies.

Methods: A comprehensive systematic analysis of the literature was undertaken, emphasising three topics: multiomic predictive models in IBD; natural language processing (NLP) and LLMs for clinical practice, research and patient communication; and the role of remote monitoring and wearable devices.

Results of the 9th Scientific Workshop of the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation (ECCO): Artificial Intelligence in IBD: Regulatory and Methodological Considerations.

With the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in the field of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), an increasing number of regulatory and methodological considerations have become apparent. Currently, there remains much uncertainty and limited experience in the field of IBD regarding some of the regulatory and methodological pitfalls to be considered when developing and deploying AI applications for positive clinical and health system impact. Accordingly, an expert panel was convened by the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) to review the published literature and provide an overview of key regulatory aspects for the application of AI in IBD.

Results of the Ninth Scientific Workshop of the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation (ECCO): Artificial intelligence in IBD surgery: opportunities and limitations.

In this narrative review we present the current status of developments in artificial intelligence in the filed of IBD surgery. We lay down the foundations for how IBD surgery may utilise the potential opportunities in utilizing the rapid advances in AI technology as it used in other surgical disciplines. The main areas of potential utility are in the areas of surgical training, risk prediction in the pre, intra and post operative period in IBD patients undergoing surgery and in IBD surgical research.

Integrating anorectal manometry, balloon expulsion, and defecography: insights into diagnosing pelvic floor dysfunction.

Defecatory dysfunction (DD) is a common cause of chronic constipation resulting from functional abnormalities or structural pelvic pathologies. Accurate diagnosis requires combining anorectal manometry (ARM), balloon expulsion test (BET), and defecography. This study evaluates the diagnostic utility of these modalities and explores uncertainties in their performance and interpretation.

Intestinal ultrasound measurement of bowel wall thickness can be used as a sole marker for defining anti-TNF maintenance therapy failure in Crohn's disease.

Introduction: Bowel wall thickness (BWT) measurements in intestinal ultrasound (IUS) are recognized indicators of inflammatory activity in Crohn's disease (CD). However, the added value of other ultrasonographic parameters for monitoring and predicting treatment failure during anti-tumor necrosis factors' (TNF) maintenance therapy is still not absolutely defined.

Objectives: To determine whether BWT, as measured by IUS, can serve as a reliable single marker for predicting treatment failure in CD patients under anti-TNF therapy, compared to a combination of ultrasonographic parameters.

Enhancing standardization in anorectal manometry testing: the impact of a national position paper.

Background: The 2019 International Anorectal Physiology Working Group published the 'London Classification', providing recommendations for anorectal manometry (ARM) and balloon expulsion testing (BET). Despite this, the extent of guideline adoption in clinical settings was unclear. This study aimed to evaluate ARM and BET practices across Israel, identify deviations from these international guidelines, and measure the impact of a newly instated national position paper.

Intestinal Ultrasound Measures are Strongly Correlated With Small Bowel Endoscopic Lewis Score in Active Crohn's Disease.

Background: Small bowel video capsule endoscopy (SB-VCE) assesses mucosal inflammation in Crohn's disease (CD), while intestinal ultrasound (IUS) examines transmural involvement. We aimed to correlate SB-VCE with IUS in evaluating active CD and monitoring treatment response over time.

Methods: Patients with active SB-CD who initiated biologics were prospectively followed with fecal calprotectin (FC), SB-VCE, and IUS at baseline and after 14 and 52 weeks.

Intestinal ultrasound accurately predicts future therapy failure in Crohn's disease patients in a biologics-induced remission.

Background: Intestinal ultrasound (IUS) is used to assess disease activity, complications, and treatment follow-up in Crohn's disease (CD). Less is known about the association of disease activity on IUS with the risk of future disease relapse during biologically sustained clinical remission in CD.

Aim: The study aimed to investigate the association between IUS activity parameters and subsequent therapy failure in asymptomatic biologically treated patients with CD.

Radiomics-Based Analysis of Intestinal Ultrasound Images for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Feasibility Study.

Background: The increasing adoption of intestinal ultrasound () for monitoring inflammatory bowel diseases () by IBD providers has uncovered new challenges regarding standardized image interpretation and limitations as a research tool. Artificial intelligence approaches can help address these challenges. We aim to determine the feasibility of radiomic analysis of IUS images and to determine if a radiomics-based classification model can accurately differentiate between normal and abnormal IUS images.

AI-luminating Artificial Intelligence in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Narrative Review on the Role of AI in Endoscopy, Histology, and Imaging for IBD.

Endoscopy, histology, and cross-sectional imaging serve as fundamental pillars in the detection, monitoring, and prognostication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, interpretation of these studies often relies on subjective human judgment, which can lead to delays, intra- and interobserver variability, and potential diagnostic discrepancies. With the rising incidence of IBD globally coupled with the exponential digitization of these data, there is a growing demand for innovative approaches to streamline diagnosis and elevate clinical decision-making.

Comparison of etiological and physiological characteristics of fecal incontinence in men and women.

Fecal incontinence (FI) is often underreported and underestimated in men. Our aims were to clarify the causes and the physiological characteristics of FI in men and to underline the differences between etiological and physiological factors in men and women diagnosed with FI. The study cohort encompassed 200 men and 200 women who underwent anatomical and physiological evaluation for FI in a tertiary referral center specializing in pelvic floor disorders.

A Prospective, Single-Arm Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of an Autologous Blood Clot Product in the Treatment of Anal Fistula.

Background: Surgical treatment of complex perianal fistula is technically challenging, associated with risk of failure, and may require multiple procedures. In recent years, several biologic agents have been developed for permanently eradicating anal fistulous disease with variable success. In this study, the treatment is an autologous whole-blood product created from the patients' blood.

Bedside Intestinal Ultrasound Performed in an Inflammatory Bowel Disease Urgent Assessment Clinic Improves Clinical Decision-Making and Resource Utilization.

Background: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) require accessible, timely, and noninvasive strategies to monitor disease. The aim was to assess the integration of intestinal ultrasound (IUS) on decision-making and endoscopy utilization in a standardized care pathway.

Methods: This prospective, multicenter, international, observational cohort study included patients seen within a centralized model for IBD care was conducted during the COVID pandemic.

Three-dimensional reconstruction of computed tomography colonography discloses anatomic features associated with colonoscopy failure.

Objectives: Three-dimensional virtual reality (3D VR) permits precise reconstruction of computed tomography (CT) images, and these allow precise measurements of colonic anatomical parameters. Colonoscopy proves challenging in a subset of patients, and thus CT colonoscopy (CTC) is often required to visualize the entire colon. The aim of the study was to determine whether 3D reconstructions of the colon could help identify and quantify the key anatomical features leading to colonoscopy failure.

Outcomes of Laser-Assisted Closure (SiLaC) Surgery for Chronic Pilonidal Sinus Disease.

Management of pilonidal sinus (PNS) disease has changed notably in the past decade, with the introduction of novel surgical techniques and technological innovation. In this study, we summarized our initial experience with sinus laser-assisted closure (SiLaC) of pilonidal disease. A retrospective analysis of a prospective database of all patients who underwent minimally invasive surgery combined with laser therapy for PNS between September 2018 and December 2020 was performed.

Laser hemorrhoidoplasty for II-IV grade hemorrhoids: should we treat them the same?

Laser Hemorrhoidoplasty (LHP) is a novel therapeutic option for hemorrhoids. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the post-operative outcomes of patients undergoing LHP surgery based on hemorrhoid grade. A retrospective analysis of a prospective database of all patients who underwent LHP surgery between September 2018 and October 2021 was performed.

Combined 3D Endoanal Ultrasound and Transperineal Ultrasound Improves the Detection of Anal Sphincter Defects.

Introduction: Anal sphincter injury, mainly due to obstetric or iatrogenic etiology, is the most common cause of fecal incontinence (FI). Three-dimensional endoanal ultrasound (3D EAUS) is used for assessment of the integrity and the degree of anal muscle injury. However, 3D EAUS accuracy may be hampered by regional acoustic effects, such as intravaginal air.

Management of Chronic Anal Fissure with a Novel Topical Hemp-Herbal-Based Ointment: A Pilot Study.

Introduction: Anal fissure (AF) is a common anorectal disease. Although several pharmacological treatments are available, many patients still require surgical interventions. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an ointment based on a multifunctional blend of herbal ingredients including hemp (ProctoFiz) for chronic AF.

Automatized Detection of Crohn's Disease in Intestinal Ultrasound Using Convolutional Neural Network.

Introduction: The use of intestinal ultrasound (IUS) for the diagnosis and follow-up of inflammatory bowel disease is steadily growing. Although access to educational platforms of IUS is feasible, novice ultrasound operators lack experience in performing and interpreting IUS. An artificial intelligence (AI)-based operator supporting system that automatically detects bowel wall inflammation may simplify the use of IUS by less experienced operators.

Clinical outcomes with of the Contix Faecal Incontinence Management System: preliminary results.

Fecal incontinence (FI) has a significant long-term impact on patient quality of life for which there is a range of medical and surgical management alternatives. We report the preliminary outcome using the ForConti Contix Faecal Incontinence Management System (FIMS) in FI patients who had failed conservative therapy and who were recruited at 2 tertiary institutions between September 2018 and September 2020. Comparative assessments were made before and after 2 week periods of treatment using bowel diaries and subjective Wexner and Faecal Incontinence Quality of Life scores.

The knowledge and skills needed to perform intestinal ultrasound for inflammatory bowel diseases-an international Delphi consensus survey.

Background: Intestinal ultrasound (IUS) is a non-invasive modality for monitoring disease activity in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). IUS training currently lacks well-defined standards and international consensus on competency criteria.

Aim: To achieve international consensus on what competencies should be expected from a newly certified IUS practitioner.

Ultrasound-Tomographic Image Fusion: A Novel Imaging Technique for Follow-Up of Penetrating Complications of Crohn's Disease.

We herein report the first use, to our knowledge, of computed tomography-ultrasound (US) fusion technique to follow-up Crohn's disease complications. This novel technique employs real-time reconstructed fusion of previously obtained tomographic images onto the US image software, allowing accurate bedside spatial resolution, localization, and lesion characterization by US.

ECCO-ESGAR Topical Review on Optimizing Reporting for Cross-Sectional Imaging in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Background And Aims: The diagnosis and follow up of patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] requires cross-sectional imaging modalities, such as intestinal ultrasound [IUS], magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] and computed tomography [CT]. The quality and homogeneity of medical reporting are crucial to ensure effective communication between specialists and to improve patient care. The current topical review addresses optimized reporting requirements for cross-sectional imaging in IBD.

Defining Transabdominal Intestinal Ultrasound Treatment Response and Remission in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Systematic Review and Expert Consensus Statement.

Background And Aims: No consensus exists on defining intestinal ultrasound response, transmural healing, or transmural remission in inflammatory bowel disease, nor clear guidance for optimal timing of assessment during treatment. This systematic review and expert consensus study aimed to define such recommendations, along with key parameters included in response reporting.

Methods: Electronic databases were searched from inception to July 26, 2021, using pre-defined terms.