Table 1 Hospital access and diagnostic procedures for IBD after the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic (adapted from the SIGENP position paper) [16]
Topic | Recommendation |
|---|---|
Hospital access | Limited; priority levels based on the spread of COVID-19; activation of telemedicine initiatives |
Endoscopic procedures | Maintained in all of the following situations: • Mild to moderate flare-ups with abnormal blood tests • Symptoms of mild subacute obstruction already confirmed by imaging • New diagnosis • Monitor for postoperative recurrence within 1 year of surgery if patient is symptomatic or has elevated calprotectin or altered blood tests • Symptomatic pouchitis and altered blood tests • Reevaluate symptomatic patients with abnormal fecal calprotectin or blood tests after 6 months of biological therapy |
Nasopharyngeal swab test before endoscopy | Recommended when performing endoscopies under deep sedation and/or general anesthesia |
Telemedicine | Implementation/reinforcement recommended |