Introduction to ECCO’26 Imaging Workshops
EduCom Member
EduCom Chair
Continuing a well-established tradition, the ECCO 2026 Congress Educational Programme will once again offer two highly sought-after workshops focusing on imaging for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). These workshops, developed in collaboration with the European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology (ESGAR) and the International Bowel Ultrasound (IBUS) group, aim to educate healthcare professionals on imaging methods and their application in the accurate diagnosis and monitoring of disease in patients with IBD, in both adult and paediatric settings.
The first workshop will cover the basics of endoscopy, intestinal ultrasound (IUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), while the second will explore the latest developments in IUS. These training experiences are made possible thanks to the strong collaboration between ECCO and expert radiologists and gastroenterologists specialising in intestinal imaging.
7th ECCO Workshop on Imaging and Endoscopy in collaboration with ESGAR & IBUS
Aimed at a wide range of healthcare professionals, including gastroenterologists, endoscopists, surgeons, paediatricians, pathologists and other interdisciplinary specialists, this workshop provides essential information on radiological and endoscopic approaches to IBD. Given the strong interest and positive feedback from previous editions, the event will again be offered twice on the same day in 2026 to accommodate a larger number of participants.
Endoscopy
Endoscopy is a cornerstone in the care and surveillance of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is essential for assessing disease extent and activity, as well as for detecting complications and neoplastic changes. The endoscopy section of the workshop will explore various aspects of endoscopic practice in IBD through a comprehensive and practical approach.
This part of the workshop will focus on four major domains: quality assurance in IBD endoscopy, structured reporting of endoscopic procedures, therapeutic endoscopy—including the interventional management of complications—and the use of capsule endoscopy. It is designed for physicians who perform endoscopy in IBD patients or are involved in IBD care and wish to deepen their understanding of current developments and enhance their endoscopic skills.
Participants will gain insights into the latest advances in IBD endoscopy, including novel optical diagnostic techniques and the growing role of artificial intelligence in endoscopic and histological assessment. A strong emphasis will be placed on the appropriate use of endoscopic scoring systems and the creation of high-quality reports that support effective multidisciplinary management.
The workshop will also cover the selection and application of treatment strategies for intestinal strictures, as well as advanced techniques for surveillance and endoscopic management of dysplasia in ulcerative colitis.
The endoscopy program is designed to be highly interactive and case-based, featuring extensive video case material and lectures by leading experts in the field.
Intestinal Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging
This part of the workshop offers comprehensive training on the fundamentals of IUS and MRI, providing participants with practical skills in the diagnostic use of these imaging techniques. The focus is on the appropriate application of IUS and MRI for diagnosis, assessment of therapeutic response and identification of complications in patients with IBD, including Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Tailored for professionals specialising in IBD and interested in radiological imaging, this segment includes hands-on exercises, case-based discussions and interactive learning formats.
This year, there is a particular emphasis on involving paediatricians, with content dedicated to the specific challenges of diagnosing and managing IBD in younger patients.
After two introductory lectures illustrating the essential uses of IUS and MRI, participants will be divided into small groups that will rotate between six practical training stations. Under the guidance of expert tutors, including a radiologist and a gastroenterologist, participants will work on clinical case examples. They will also have the opportunity to analyse MRI scans and practise ultrasound techniques using a dedicated IUS simulator.
The session promotes active participation, encouraging exchange and collaborative discussion of clinical challenges with expert tutors. Key topics include the assessment of IBD in the paediatric population, the assessment of disease activity in Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, the identification of complications such as strictures, fistulas and abscesses, and the management of complex scenarios such as post-surgical recurrence and perianal involvement in Crohn's Disease.
13th ECCO Ultrasound Workshop – Advanced in Collaboration with ESGAR & IBUS
Following the 7th ECCO Workshop on Imaging and Endoscopy, organised in collaboration with ESGAR and IBUS, an advanced workshop on ultrasound will be held the following day. Aimed at physicians who already have practical experience with intestinal ultrasound (IUS), this session is designed to further improve their skills and keep them up to date on the latest developments in the use of IUS for IBD. Each presentation will be followed by interactive discussions based on real cases captured on ultrasound video.
The agenda includes in-depth topics such as the ultrasonographic diagnosis of postoperative recurrence in Crohn’s Disease, the assessment of perianal disease using transperineal ultrasound and the use of advanced techniques, including contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), small intestinal contrast ultrasonography (SICUS) and elastography in specific clinical settings.
This advanced workshop is also the third module of the IBUS training curriculum and concludes with a post-course assessment for IBUS participants, although all ECCO Workshop participants are welcome to attend.
Given the growing importance of imaging in the management of IBD, both the 7th ECCO Workshop on Imaging and Endoscopy and the 13th ECCO Workshop on Ultrasound – Advanced (in collaboration with ESGAR and IBUS) should attract considerable attention from ECCO Members interested in endoscopy, ultrasound and radiological approaches. Participation is limited, so early registration is strongly recommended to secure a place and benefit from these high-level training opportunities with leading international experts.
We look forward to seeing you in Stockholm in 2026