European evidence-based consensus on the diagnosis and management of Crohn’s disease

When is a consensus not a consensus? E duard Stange and Simon Travis 1 are to be congratulated on their magnum opus encompassing 234 statements and 727 references pertaining to the diagnosis and management of Crohn's disease. The aim of the consensus was not to ''supersede guidelines of different countries'', but to ''promote a European perspective on the management of Crohn's disease'' under the auspices of the European Crohn's and Colitis Organization (ECCO). ECCO is a forum established in 2000 for specialists interested in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to promote European views, clinical trials and specialist training in IBD. We agree with many, if not most, of the statements and recommendations, and note that the European consensus with regard to diagnosis and management of Crohn's disease is substantially aligned with practice guidelines from the US. 2 3