Microscopic colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that leads to chronic, watery diarrhoea. First believed to be rare, microscopic colitis has received more attention in recent decades, resulting in increasing incidence rates that exceed those of classic IBD in some countries. Hopefully, it is common practice nowadays to refer patients with chronic diarrhoea for a colonoscopy with biopsy samples taken, as this is the only way to diagnose microscopic colitis. Histology results distinguish between the subtypes of microscopic colitis — lymphocytic colitis, collagenous colitis and the more recently introduced incomplete microscopic colitis.

Long-term enteral nutrition via gastrostomy is a relatively common medical intervention for patients at risk of malnutrition who have an accessible and functioning gastrointestinal tract. There are clear clinical guidelines describing the principles of practice as well as numerous retrospective and non-randomised controlled studies and case series. However, fewer publications impart advice and guidance regarding the management and ‘patient selection’ for these interventions. The following article provides a combination of the author’s views and the evidence base.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common and deadly disease. Advances in understanding the disease have improved diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. Genetic factors play a role in some cases of CRC, and identifying hereditary disorders has helped reduce morbidity and mortality. Serrated polyps are also precursors of CRC, and colonoscopy is crucial for screening and prevention. However, colonoscopy is not perfect, and some lesions may be missed. Here we discuss common mistakes in CRC diagnosis, prevention, and treatment, and how to avoid them.

Chronic gastritis is a common condition that occurs when an inflammatory infiltrate is present in the gastric mucosa. Diverse factors can cause such inflammation to develop, including food, common bacteria (particularly Helicobacter pylori) and even some viruses. Although the inflammatory infiltrate itself may not cause a disease per se, in some cases gastritis will evolve into atrophic gastritis, ulcers or gastric cancer. Clinicians therefore need to be aware of when gastritis is a harmless condition that can be left alone and when further action is required. In addition, many patients and some clinicians use the term ‘chronic gastritis’ to describe symptoms, mostly those of dyspepsia. This misuse of the terminology can lead to the erroneous conclusion that a diagnosis is being discussed and not a symptom. Here we address these mistakes and some of the others that are frequently made when managing patients with chronic gastritis. We discuss how to avoid making the mistakes to ensure that patients are managed adequately while reducing over treatment.