This topic is about whether or not it's necessary to have a routine endoscopy through a stoma, especially when there are no symptoms present. The person asking has had a stoma since 2016 due to severe ulcerative colitis, which later developed into Crohn’s disease. They are currently doing well, but their gastroenterologist has suggested a routine scoping. Here are some insights and advice shared by others:

- Some people believe in the "if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it" approach. They feel that if the stoma is healthy and symptom-free, scoping might be unnecessary and could introduce risks. This is similar to avoiding unnecessary car repairs or medical tests.

- On the other hand, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease can reappear silently anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract. Routine monitoring every 2-3 years can help catch early inflammation before it causes symptoms or significant damage. This is similar to regular cancer screenings where early detection is crucial.

- It's important to discuss the reasons for scoping with each specialist. Ask the surgeon about any ongoing surgical concerns and the gastroenterologist about specific risks like recurrent Crohn’s, polyps, or cancer. Finding a gastroenterologist closer to home might also help with the long commute.

- The main discomfort from the procedure often comes from the bowel-prep solution rather than the scope itself. Some centers offer nitrous oxide instead of IV sedation, which can make the experience more comfortable and recovery quicker.

- There are potential complications, such as bowel perforation, which one person experienced after a colonoscopy through the stoma. This highlights the importance of having the procedure done for strong clinical reasons and by an experienced endoscopist.

- On a positive note, regular scopes have helped detect and remove cancerous polyps in some individuals, allowing them to follow a surveillance schedule. It can also help monitor chronic conditions like radiation damage.

- In terms of medication, some people use treatments like Humira to control Crohn’s disease and monitor antibody levels to ensure the medication remains effective. Endoscopic surveillance can complement medical therapy in managing the condition.