Biomarkers in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: What Surgeons Need to Know

Advances in research in the field of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have led to the identification of biological and genetic markers that can assess the natural history and perhaps predict the course of an individual's disease, including response to treatments over time and postoperative course. The ever-expanding genetic and immune discoveries have improved our understanding of the variability in presentation and course in all IBD patients. It will be important moving forward to be able to better classify patients so that appropriate decisions can be made regarding choosing the right treatment for the right patient at the right time. Surgical options also remain an integral part of IBD management, but like with medications, it is important to choose the right surgery for the right patient. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.