Topic: Advanced Minimally Invasive and Endoscopic Techniques for Complex Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), encompassing Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, is frequently associated with complications such as strictures, fistulas, and postoperative recurrence, often requiring surgical or endoscopic intervention. The management of these complex presentations remains technically demanding and continues to evolve with advances in minimally invasive and endoscopic strategies.

Recent progress in laparoscopic and robotic surgery has enhanced precision and facilitated function-preserving approaches, particularly in anastomotic techniques, perianal disease, and pouch surgery. In parallel, therapeutic endoscopy is assuming an increasingly important role in the management of strictures and early postoperative recurrence, further blurring the boundaries between medical and surgical care.

At the same time, the integration of cross-sectional imaging, endoscopic assessment, and data-driven tools is enabling more individualized and evidence-based decision-making.

This Special Issue focuses on advanced minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques in IBD, with particular emphasis on complex disease. Submissions addressing broader or earlier-stage disease are also encouraged, especially those providing meaningful technical insights, optimization strategies, or approaches that may help prevent disease progression.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

● Minimally invasive surgical strategies for complex Crohn’s disease;

● Advanced techniques in ileocolic resection and anastomotic optimization (e.g., Kono-S);

● Endoscopic management of strictures and postoperative recurrence;

● Sphincter-preserving approaches for perianal fistulizing disease;

● Minimally invasive ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, pouch-related complications, and redo pouch surgery;

● Integration of radiology, radiomics, and endoscopy in surgical decision-making;

● Robotic and transanal approaches in IBD surgery;

● Prevention and management of postoperative complications in IBD;

● Multidisciplinary and precision-based treatment pathways;

● Emerging technologies, including AI-assisted endoscopy and surgical planning.

Inflammatory bowel disease, crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, minimally invasive surgery, therapeutic endoscopy, anastomosis, perianal fistula, postoperative recurrence