Abstract
BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic significantly changed the (medical) world and has impacted gastroenterology in multiple aspects. OBJECTIVES: Since the beginning of the pandemic, a tremendous body of information on the novel virus and COVID-19 infection has been published. This review aims to give insights into those aspects that are of special interest in gastroenterology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Basic literature, case series, and expert opinions on COVID-19 infections from the gastroenterologist’s point of view are discussed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Gastrointestinal symptoms occur frequently during COVID-19 infection but do not negatively impact the course of disease. Although severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been isolated from stool, the possibility of fecal–oral spread is still under debate. Continuation of immunosuppressive therapy in patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disease during the COVID-19 pandemic is safe. However, systemic steroid therapy is associated with an increased risk for a severe course of infection. Vaccination against COVID-19 is safe and effective in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted patients and structures of the medical system, including inpatient and outpatient gastroenterology services. Maintaining high-quality healthcare for all patients under pandemic circumstances and ensuring supportive healthcare structures also for healthcare workers including high-quality education will be a future challenge.