The role of mucosal healing in the treatment of patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

OPINION STATEMENT: Mucosal healing is a promising therapeutic endpoint in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. Currently, the treatment of IBD focuses predominantly on clinical remission, without requiring a demonstration of mucosal healing. However, recent studies suggest that achieving mucosal healing engenders better outcomes. In this review, we will examine the concept of mucosal healing, including its definitions and assessment techniques, and will evaluate the data regarding the potential benefits of achieving mucosal healing in the treatment of IBD. Furthermore, we will discuss how often mucosal healing can be expected with each of the therapies for IBD. While achieving mucosal healing is an ideal outcome, it may not be practical or feasible in any given patient. Although we suggest that mucosal healing be discussed with all patients, the practicing physician should realize that this goal may not be possible and should manage the patient accordingly.