BSG From Top to Bottom

Part three of seven: Trainee Gastroenterologist, Jennifer Tham, interviews, Dr. Bel Kok, Consultant Gastroenterologist at the Royal London Hospital and Honorary Senior Lecturer at Queen Mary University of London, to discuss the practical application of the latest ASUC guidelines. They explore the presenting symptoms and diagnosis of acute severe ulcerative colitis, including the use of statistical algorithms summarised in the IBD guidelines.

Given the severity and high risk profile of ASUC, rapid access to up-to-date guidance is essential to prevent delays in treatment. Jennifer and Dr. Kok also examine the updated therapies and management strategies outlined in the new guidelines.

Part two of seven: Dr. Shahida Din, Chair of our IBD Committee, and Dr. Jonathan Blackwell—both Consultant Gastroenterologists at the Edinburgh IBD Unit—are joined by Mrs. Fiona Rees, Consultant Pharmacist at University Hospitals Sussex, to explore the BSG IBD Guidelines with a focus on therapy de-escalation. Together, they discuss how best to manage patient expectations around treatment and outcomes.

They also take a detailed look at the role of Mesalazine, routes of administration, Thiopurines, anti-TNF therapies, Pulse Therapy, and the importance of continually reassessing treatment plans.

Part one of a seven part series discussing different elements of the BSG IBD in Adults Guideline published in June 2025.

Prof. Gordon Moran from the University of Nottingham and Prof. Morris Gordon from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) discuss the new BSG IBD Guidelines published in GUT, June 2025. In particular, they discuss insight on methodology used to produce the guideline, the difference in previous guidelines (e.g. ECCO Guideline) and the use of network meta-anaysis.

Dr. Jabed Ahmed and Dr. Ravi Ranjan discuss colorectal polyps in patients with limited life expectancy. The bowel cancer screening strategies rely on the long time a polyp takes before progressing to cancer by early detection and removal of polyps. Although polypectomy comes with risks of some significant complications  the risk is deemed small compared to the benefit of cancer prevention. This risk benefit equation changes in patients with advanced age or multiple co-morbidities 

This new BSG ACP guidance developed by a multidisciplinary guidance development group aims to provide a structural framework to support clinicians and the patients in decision making in such situations.

Dr. Ranjan is a Consultant physician and gastroenterologist at University Hospital of North Tees and completeing his MD at Newcastle University. He also coordinated the a BSG/ACPGBI guidance.

Video Interview with Dr. Ahmed and Dr. Ranjan: Colorectal polyps in patients with limited life expectancy

Prof. Reena Sidhu, Consultant Gastroenterologist and Honorary Professor at the University of Sheffield, joins Dr. Jabed Ahmed, Gastroenterology Clinical Research Fellow at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, to discuss the BSG Guidelines on Sedation in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

They cover key topics including commonly used sedation drugs, monitoring requirements, and the prevention and management of adverse events. The conversation also explores patient communication, special circumstances such as pregnancy, and the need for improved sedation training for trainees.

Prof. Colin Rees and Dr. Roisin Bevan chat about all things BSG. As well as being elected president of the BSG, Colin is a Professor of Gastroenterology at Newcastle University and an Honorary Consultant at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Trust. Dr. Roisin Bevan, Chair of the BSG Education Committee, is a consultant physician and gastroenterologist in North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust.