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August 11, 2026

Small bowel imaging in inflammatory bowel disease

In the UK, ongoing delays in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) diagnosis, driven in part by reliance on endoscopy, highlight the need for more efficient pathways. Improved understanding of a treat-to-target approach to the management of IBD aimed at transmural healing further challenges traditional investigative approaches. Advances in intestinal ultrasound (IUS) and magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) […]

Sharad Sinha, Christian Greer, Gauraang Bhatnagar

Dr Sharad Sinha, Dr Christian Greer and Dr Gauraang Bhatnagar

Frimley Park Hospital, Camberley

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June 23, 2026

Is MR cholangiopancreatography more effective than endoscopic ultrasound in diagnosing choledocholithiasis?

Choledocholithiasis, or common bile duct stones (CBDS), is a recurrent gallstone disease requiring accurate diagnosis to prevent potential severe complications such as pancreatitis or cholangitis. This systematic review evaluates the diagnostic performance of MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) versus endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in detecting CBDS. MRCP, a non-invasive imaging modality recommended by NICE for initial evaluation, offers […]

Sara Samhat, Imogen Diggens

University of Suffolk

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January 13, 2026

Small bowel obstruction – towards higher calibre care

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) remains a critical emergency with high morbidity and mortality, often exacerbated by delays in diagnosis and treatment. National audits, including NCEPOD’s Delay in Transit and NASBO, highlight that timely imaging is pivotal in improving outcomes. CT with intravenous contrast is strongly recommended as the definitive diagnostic tool, outperforming plain abdominal radiographs, […]

Dr Teodros Truneh, Dr James Stephenson

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

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December 17, 2025

The use and technique of CT colonography in identifying colonic lesions

CT colonography (CTC) is a valuable diagnostic tool for detecting colorectal cancer (CRC), particularly when traditional colonoscopy is contraindicated or incomplete. This article outlines the clinical application and technical execution of CTC, emphasising its role in bowel cancer screening and symptomatic patient evaluation. The accuracy of CTC is highly dependent on proper bowel preparation, which […]

Michael Sydee, Dr Nirav Patel, Rachel Baldwin, Dr Anita Wale

St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, National CT Colonography Academy, City, St George's University of London

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August 28, 2025

Ultrasound scanning of the appendix

Appendicitis is one of the most common causes of acute abdominal pain in both children and adults, and remains the most frequent abdominal surgical emergency globally, with approximately 50,000 acute appendicectomies performed annually in the UK. Timely diagnosis is key for optimising outcomes with appropriate treatment. Delays in diagnosis and initiation of treatment can lead […]

Dr Ruth Reeve, Dr Anmol Gangi-Burton, Dr Althaf Abdul Rasheed, Dr Mohammad Hussein Abdi

Portsmouth University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust

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July 29, 2025

Poke the paunch with POCUS: gastrointestinal ultrasound in emergency medicine

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) continues to revolutionise the evaluation of abdominal complaints in emergency and acute settings. Its real-time diagnostic potential, portability and noninvasiveness make it a powerful tool in the clinician’s arsenal, particularly when gastrointestinal (GI) pathology is suspected. This article aims to highlight the clinical reasoning, technique and diagnostic markers that underpin effective gastrointestinal […]

Dr Anna Colclough, Dominic Craver

Lewisham Hospital

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December 18, 2024

The use of abdominal ultrasound in small animal gastrointestinal medicine

Abdominal ultrasound is increasingly available in the veterinary sector in both primary care and specialist practice. This has led to its employment in gastrointestinal (GI) medicine. GI disorders, ie vomiting and diarrhoea, both acute and chronic disease form a large part of the primary care and specialist veterinary case load. When applied appropriately, abdominal ultrasound […]

Dr Rebecca Littler

Peninsula Vet Referrals

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March 13, 2024

When to ablate renal tumours?

Renal cancer is the seventh most common cancer in the UK. The majority of these are picked up incidentally when patients have scans for other symptoms. By the time patients have typical symptoms of renal cancer, such as abdominal pain or haematuria, the tumour may be quite advanced.