New Scientific Advances in Gastroenterology

Newswise — Many of the world's preeminent gastroenterologists will gather from October 29th through November 3rd for the American College of Gastroenterology's (ACG) 69th Annual Scientific Meeting at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The agenda includes the latest scientific advances in gastrointestinal research, treatment of digestive diseases and clinical practice management.

Presentations at the meeting will focus on new challenges gastroenterologists face in patient care and advances in preventing and treating digestive diseases.

Highlights of topics to be addressed include:· Pregnancy and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). This 20-year study examines theeffect IBD, and IBD medications, can have on the health of babies born to mothers with the disorder.

· Colorectal Cancer in African-American and Hispanic Populations. An investigation of African-American and Hispanic colorectal cancer patients found that over one-quarter had been diagnosed before the age of 50, illustrating the importance of early screening among high-risk patients.

· Capsule Endoscopy and Small Bowel Tumor Detection. This study investigates the effectiveness of capsule endoscopy at detecting tumors in the small bowel.

· Smoking and Colon Polyps. Two studies explore smoking and how it can increase one's risk of developing colon polyps.

· Virtual Colonoscopy and Mortality Rates. A model predicting complications for colorectal screening options found a greater risk of cancer deaths and procedure-related deaths in virtual colonoscopy as compared to traditional colonoscopy.

· Obesity. Several studies at the Meeting explore obesity: * The link between heartburn, GERD and esophageal cancer in the obese;* A correlation found between increased body mass index (BMI) and the risk of colorectal neoplasia in women; and* The positive effect laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery can have on obesity-related health problems.

· Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Therapy. This study investigates the effectiveness of a new therapy (cilansetron) on improving the quality of life for patients suffering from IBS with diarrhea.

· Trends in Celiac Disease. This retrospective evaluation of patients diagnosed with celiac disease from 1952 to 2004 finds they are now being diagnosed at an older age, and with a shorter duration of symptoms.

Two keynote addresses will be given during the meeting. The J. Edward Berk Distinguished Lecture, "Colonoscopy in Evolution," will be delivered by Brian Saunders, M.B.B.S., M.D., M.R.C.P. on Tuesday, November 2, 2004, at 10:00 AM (EST). The David Y. Graham Lecture, "Helicobacter pylori and Gastric Cancer: The Problem " The Solution," will be presented by David Y. Graham, M.D., MACG at 10:15 AM (EST) on Wednesday, November 3, 2004.

Lunchtime media briefings are planned on the following topics:Monday, November 1, 2004, 12:30 PM (EST) "Irritable Bowel Syndrome in 2004: The Impact of New and Emerging Therapies on Quality of Life"

· Lawrence J. Brandt, M.D., MACG, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY· Lin Chang, M.D., Center for Neurovisceral Sciences & Women's Health, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA· G. Richard Locke, M.D., FACG, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN· Kevin W. Olden, M.D., FACG, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL· Nicholas Talley, M.D., FACG, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN· Co-Moderator: Harris Clearfield, M.D., MACG, MCP-Hahnemann, Philadelphia, PA· Co-Moderator: Philip E. Jaffe, M.D., FACG, University of Connecticut Health Sciences Center, Farmington, CT

Tuesday, November 2, 2004, 12:30 PM (EST)"Cutting Edge Issues in Obesity: Epidemiology, Medical and Surgical Management"

· Luis A. Balart, M.D., FACG, Louisiana State University Health Center, New Orleans, LA· Mark T. DeMeo, M.D., FACG, Rush-Presbyterian Hospital, Chicago, IL· Scott Shikora, M.D., Tufts New England Medical Center, Boston, MA· Co-Moderator: Girish Mishra, M.D., FACG, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC· Co-Moderator: Beth Schorr-Lesnick, M.D., FACG, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY

The ACG was formed in 1932 to advance the scientific study and medical treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. The College promotes the highest standards in medical education and is guided by its commitment to meeting the needs of clinical gastroenterology practitioners. Consumers can get more information on GI diseases through the following ACG-sponsored programs:

· 1-800-978-7666 (free brochures on common GI disorders, including ulcer, colon cancer, gallstones and liver disease)· 1-866-IBS-RELIEF and http://www.ibsrelief.org (free educational materials)· 1-800-HRT-BURN (free brochure and video on heartburn and GERD)· http://www.acg.gi.org (ACG's Web site)