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Researchers have found capsule endoscopies can be effective in detecting tumors in the small bowel that previously went undetected.

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A new therapy under development for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea predominance appears to provide significant improvements in measures of quality of life, according to a study.

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In a study African-American and Hispanic patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science between 1996 and 2004 over one-quarter were diagnosed before age 50.

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Surgeons at Western Pennsylvania Hospital report that laparoscopic surgery for obesity, known as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, effectively improves unhealthy conditions associated with severe clinical obesity (or "morbid" obesity).

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Infants born to women with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are no more likely to develop congenital malformations than infants born to healthy mothers, according to a study.

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Many of the world's preeminent gastroenterologists will gather for the American College of Gastroenterology's 69th Annual Scientific Meeting. The agenda includes the latest scientific advances in gastrointestinal research, treatment of digestive diseases and clinical practice management.

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Symptoms of heartburn and GERD are highly prevalent among obese patients according to research.

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Smokers can add pre-cancerous growths in the colon to the host of increased health risks they face, according to two studies.

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Analyses of virtual colonoscopy found both procedure-related mortality and cancer deaths were higher compared to complete (i.e., traditional) colonoscopy, according to findings.

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A study in today's Annals of Internal Medicine raises questions about conventional or complete colonoscopy and CT colonography. Experts from the American College of Gastroenterology argue that while colonoscopy is not perfect, it remains the best test for detecting and preventing colorectal cancer.

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Expert on colonoscopy and colorectal cancer screening Douglas K. Rex, M.D., President of the ACG and a co-author of today's new study in JAMA on CT colonography is available to discuss findings.

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Researchers found a high prevalence of premalignant polyps among their asymptomatic, average-risk African American patients. This study underscores the need for greater diligence for screening this population "” to remove polyps before cancer has a chance to develop.

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Researchers report that people who drink at least 9 glasses of alcoholic beverages made with distilled spirits per week for more than 10 years are much more likely than nondrinkers to develop colorectal cancer or premalignant polyps. They also note a protective effect for those who drink wine.

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The risk of low bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) increases with age, lower body mass index and severity of disease. Researchers also found that African American race had a positive correlation with lower bone mineral density.

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A study reviewing historical colonoscopy results found no statistically significant differences in the rates of cancer or other abnormalities between women who had symptoms of colorectal cancer and those who did not. This study points to the importance of colorectal screening for all adults over 50.

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Researchers report that children with functional constipation have significantly more anxiety specific to toileting behavior than well children, without displaying significant general anxiety.

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Two recent studies released today attempt to unravel the role that diet plays in gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and dyspepsia. The preliminary findings suggest that both fructose and fat contribute to symptoms of IBS, a disorder affecting about 10 to 15 percent of the American population.

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A study released today found that a significant portion of Americans suffering from functional dyspepsia also have irritable bowel syndrome. Dyspepsia accounts for between 40 and 70 percent of GI complaints in general medical practice and has a significant impact upon quality of life.

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A study released today showed that living donor liver transplantation is associated with a lower rate of serious complications and rejection and may have a slightly higher survival than orthotopic liver transplant, which uses livers from cadavers.

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The results of a recent study suggest that gastroesophageal reflux of any sort "” not just acid reflux "” may contribute to sleep apnea arousals.

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"˜Virtual' colonoscopy "” which uses imaging technology rather than a colonoscopy to screen for polyps and other lesions "” missed 27% of colorectal lesions, including pre-cancerous colon polyps and colon cancers.

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Irritable bowel syndrome is one of the most common GI disorders in the United States, affectng over 58 million Americans. It is characterized by recurring symptoms of abdominal discomfort or pain, bloating, and an altered bowel habit, either constipation, diarrhea or both.

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Common pain medications both prescription only formulations as well as over-the-counter products grouped together as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause severe GI bleeding and ulcers with heavy use.

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Important new therapeutic and diagnostic advances in gastroenterology herald a new area, but are these new technologies ready for prime time? Leading experts look at the impact of new technological breakthroughs in the GI field and what they mean for patient care.

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Several of the world's preeminent gastroenterologists will gather from October 10 "“ October 15 for the American College of Gastroenterology's (ACG) 68th Annual Scientific Meeting at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, Maryland.

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Results of a survey of patients with irritable bowel syndrome in the United States reveal a substantial burden on patients, including decreased quality of life, high out-of-pocket costs, and losses in productivity among other findings.

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The use of a small wireless capsule video device to detect bleeding in the small intestine is safe, well-tolerated, and more accurate than another common diagnostic approach according to a study.

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A study of a new combination therapy for patients with Hepatitis C infection who had failed to respond to the drug ribavirin alone was presented at the American College of Gastroenterology's 67th Annual Scientific Meeting.

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For people with average risk, the American College of Gastroenterology recommends screening colonoscopy every 10 years beginning at age 50. Although it is thought that women may develop colorectal polyps later than do men, a new study suggests there is no evidence to support revising the screening guideline from age 50 to age 60 for women.

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Researchers at the University of Kansas Medical Center (Kansas City) urge physicians to consider adding fructose breath testing to their diagnostic strategy for patients with unexplained abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea, and intestinal rumbling or gurgling.

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A recent study shows that although people with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) experienced a 62 percent decline in the average number of days of acid reduction therapy after surgery, one-half of patients received at least one prescription for acid reduction therapy during the 18 months following surgery.

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The daily use of medications to treat acid reflux, proton pump inhibitors (PPI), reduces asthma exacerbations and improves general well-being of asthma patients with symptoms of acid reflux.

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The results of two recent studies suggest that people with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and other gastrointestinal disorders are more likely than others to report excessive daytime sleepiness, insomnia, and poor sleep quality.

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Stony Brook University researchers have identified smoking as a key risk factor for colorectal polyps.

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Researchers at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation found that the prevalence of neoplasia among elderly patients underscored the need for colonoscopy. A related study shows that although older adults who are Medicare beneficiaries are eligible for colorectal cancer screening tests, many are not aware of the benefit.

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Maintenance dosing with the monoclonal antibody infliximab can prolong remission of the signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease.

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Description of a case of death resulting from recreational drug use during a rave party.

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Fructose, the simple sugar found in honey and many fruits, may play an important role in the onset of common, and often unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms.

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Thanks to the availability of the complete map of the human genome, which was published last February, researchers are close to cloning the gene for pediatric gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

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The results of two recent studies underscore the need to control the symptoms of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

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Three recent reports underscore the need for physicians to educate patients about potential harm to the liver from herbal remedies.

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Two new studies on irritable bowel syndrome, the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder, detail the high economic and social costs of the condition in the United States.

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Anxious gastroenterology patients who receive the reassurance of a negative endoscopic exam show an immediate improvement in their health behavior, and these gains in well-being are maintained over time.

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Many of the world's preeminent gastroenterologists will gather from October 22 - October 24 for the American College of Gastroenterology's 66th Annual Scientific Meeting at the Venetian Resort and Hotel in Las Vegas, Nev. The agenda includes the latest advances in gastrointestinal research, treatment of digestive diseases and clinical practice management.

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