Report on the 7th ECCO Imaging and Endoscopy Workshop in collaboration with ESGAR and IBUS
The 7th ECCO Imaging and Endoscopy Workshop in collaboration with ESGAR and IBUS, a key part of ECCO's Educational Programme, took place during the 21st Congress of ECCO in Stockholm in February 2026. Due to high interest, two identical sessions were held on the same day, allowing more participants to take part in this hands-on learning course. We thank all the speakers and tutors, whose expertise and dedication contributed to the success of the event. This collaborative effort brought together leading gastroenterologists from ECCO and the International Bowel Ultrasound Group (IBUS), along with radiologists from the European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology (ESGAR), in order to provide a comprehensive overview of imaging modalities in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
Ultrasound and MRI Focus
The workshop began with two keynote lectures on the fundamentals of intestinal ultrasound (IUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), delivered by Mariangela Allocca and Isabelle De Kock, respectively. These presentations set the stage for the hands-on session, where 120 delegates (60 per session) were divided into small groups of ten at six learning stations. Each station was led by an expert team consisting of a gastroenterologist experienced in IUS and a radiologist, who facilitated discussions on MRI interpretation and guided participants through real-time ultrasound assessments using IUS simulators. The curriculum covered a wide range of IBD-related imaging topics, including assessment of Crohn's Disease activity, identification of complications such as strictures, fistulas and abscesses, evaluation of postoperative recurrence, management of perianal Crohn's Disease, assessment of disease activity in Ulcerative Colitis and evaluation of IBD in the paediatric population. The interactive, small-group format encouraged discussion, allowing participants to exchange experiences, refine their diagnostic skills and analyse complex clinical cases.
Additionally, a dedicated tandem talk entitled “When IUS, when MRI in daily IBD practice?” was delivered by Krisztina B. Gecse and Gauraang Bhatnagar. This session provided practical guidance on the optimal use of intestinal ultrasound and MRI in routine clinical practice, highlighting decision-making strategies and real-world scenarios to support the appropriate selection of imaging modalities. The positive feedback from participants underscored the impact of this educational experience, reaffirming the workshop’s role in advancing imaging expertise within the IBD Community.
Ultrasound and MRI Focus
Following the success of its 6th edition in 2025, the Endoscopy part of the ECCO Imaging and Endoscopy Workshop in collaboration with ESGAR and IBUS has become a key component of ECCO’s Educational Programme. Aimed at clinicians seeking to enhance their expertise in endoscopic evaluation, disease monitoring and therapeutic approaches in IBD, the course continues to offer a highly interactive and valuable learning experience.
As in prior years, the workshop delivered a thorough review of endoscopy in IBD. The opening sessions concentrated on core principles, particularly the application and interpretation of endoscopic scoring systems. Two presentations delivered by Uri Kopylov and Irit Avni Biron focused on capsule endoscopy. By combining lectures with practical exercises, the workshop enabled attendees to reinforce their understanding of how endoscopy contributes to achieving mucosal healing and improving clinical outcomes.
The programme then progressed to more specialised subjects, including approaches to managing strictures and the use of high-definition imaging technologies. Participants were also updated on current strategies for dysplasia detection and management, as well as best practices for scheduling and performing surveillance procedures. The workshop concluded with an insightful session exploring the growing impact of artificial intelligence in the field of IBD.
The faculty brought together an esteemed group of internationally recognised experts in IBD and endoscopy. Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and preparations for ECCO 2027 are already underway. Next year the postgraduate course will incorporate the latest advances in endoscopic care, with a strong emphasis on interactive case-based discussions.
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