The London Classification of gastrointestinal neuromuscular pathology: report on behalf of the Gastro 2009 International Working Group.
OBJECTIVE
Guidelines on histopathological techniques and reporting for adult and paediatric gastrointestinal neuromuscular pathology have been produced recently by an international working group (IWG). These addressed the important but relatively neglected areas of histopathological practice of the general pathologist, including suction rectal biopsy and full-thickness intestinal tissue. Recommendations were presented for the indications, safe acquisition of tissue, histological techniques, reporting and referral of such histological material.


METHODS
Consensual processes undertaken by the IWG and following established guideline decision group methodologies.


CONCLUSIONS
This report presents a contemporary and structured classification of gastrointestinal neuromuscular pathology based on defined histopathological criteria derived from the existing guidelines. In recognition of its origins and first presentation in London at the World Congress of Gastroenterology 2009, this has been named 'The London Classification'. The implementation of this classification should allow some diagnostic standardisation, but should necessarily be viewed as a starting point for future modification as new data become available.
Knowles
Charles H
CH
Centre for Academic Surgery, Royal London Hospital, London, UK. c.h.knowles@qmul.ac.uk
De Giorgio
Roberto
R
Kapur
Raj P
RP
Bruder
Elisabeth
E
Farrugia
Gianrico
G
Geboes
Karel
K
Lindberg
Greger
G
Martin
Joanne E
JE
Meier-Ruge
William A
WA
Milla
Peter J
PJ
Smith
Virpi V
VV
Vandervinden
Jean Marie
JM
Veress
Béla
B
Wedel
Thilo
T
D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003697:Delphi Technique; D017615:Enteric Nervous System / Q000473:pathology*; D017144:Focus Groups; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D009468:Neuromuscular Diseases / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D010641:Phenotype