Absence of grade A evidence combined with discrepancies between retrospective studies in reported survival benefit has led to controversy surrounding the colonoscopic surveillance of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. Such controversy was demonstrated in 2000 by an audit which revealed widespread variations in surveillance practice.¹ Following the introduction of British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) guidelines in 2002,² concern was expressed regarding the medicolegal implications posed by national recommendations based on inconclusive evidence and lacking multicentre consensus.³ Three years after the publication of the guidelines, a questionnaire survey has indicated that widespread disparities in opinion and practice still exist.

Questionnaires were distributed to all consultants and specialist registrars in gastroenterology within the Wales deanery. A 45.1% (23/51) response rate was achieved. Although a significant majority (73.9% …