Colonoscopy enables visual inspection of the entire large bowel from the rectum to the cecum. It remains the gold standard for the detection of polyps and colorectal cancer. The procedure is a safe and effec­tive way of evaluating the large bowel. Screening for and surveillance of colorectal cancer are the most frequent indications for colonoscopy. The technology for colonoscopy has evolved to provide a very clear and high-definition image of the mucosa. Newer technologies allow histological prediction and help to determine the appropriate techniques for removal. In addition to removal of premalignant or malignant lesions, other therapeutic interventions are also frequently carried out during colonoscopy. The efficiency and safety of the procedure are checked by quality indicators, their monitoring enables the continuous improvement of the service and, in turn, the quality of patient care.

Anaemia is one of the most common comorbidities in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), most often due to disturbed iron metabolism. Although the prevalence of anaemia is markedly high and it has a signi­ficant impact on quality of life, both the exact aetiology and treatment are often overlooked in IBD. The aim of this present review article is to present the epidemiology of anaemia, to help clarify the etiopa­thology of existing anaemia and thereby to assist in the choice of appropriate therapy for the resolution of anaemia and iron deficiency.

Eosinophilia is a major hallmark of many chronic inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. The prevalence of many of these diseases is increasing dramatically in industrialized countries. This re­view summarizes the knowledge about gastrointestinal eosinophils, their effector functions, their roles in the regulation of mucosal integrity and in the modulation of intestinal immune responses. Their subtypes that differ in tissue localization and function, and the main differences revealed by animal models and human studies are also discussed.