[When is ileocolonoscopy indicated in chronic inflammatory intestinal diseases?].

The question frequently arises in proctological practice whether there is an indication for ileocolonoscopy in chronic inflammatory intestinal diseases. Endoscopy is an essential constituent of the initial diagnosis of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Control colonoscopies are not necessary for assessing remission and in renewed acute attacks with confirmed diagnosis are without therapeutic consequences. Ileocolonoscopy with stepwise biopsy is currently the only accepted monitoring programme for carcinoma prophylaxis in the presence of an increased risk of colorectal carcinoma in both diseases.