Search

Background: There are reported variations in the intraoperative management of Crohn's disease. This consensus statement aimed to develop a standardised protocol for photographic documentation of intraoperative findings and critical procedural steps in ileocolonic Crohn's disease surgery. Methods: Colorectal surgeons with a specialist interest in minimally invasive surgery and inflammatory bowel disease were invited as committee members to develop a survey on the use of photo‐documentation in Crohn's disease surgery. A 15 item survey was developed on ethical considerations and applications of photo‐documentation in audit and quality control, research, and training. Results: There was strong agreement on the potential application of intraoperative photo‐documentation in Crohn's disease for training, research, quality control and tertiary referrals. Reviewers agreed that intraoperative staging required photo‐documentation of strictures, skip lesions, perforations, fat wrapping and mesenteric disease. The necessary steps to be photo‐documented were very specific to Crohn's disease surgery, such as views of anastomosis and strictureplasties, and extent of resection(s). Conclusions: Our consensus statement identified several items for appropriate intraoperative photo‐documentation in Crohn's disease surgery, to be used as an adjunct to accurate annotation of intraoperative findings and procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]