The long tube that makes up the gastrointestinal tract is composed of a variety of tissue types and is the largest internal organ of the body. Its main function is to digest food and absorb the released nutrients. Furthermore, it is subdivided into functionally distinct regions that each mediate one of a variety of actions upon the food consumed, including ingestion, propulsion, secretion, digestion, absorption and expulsion. Autonomic neuronal circuitry is intimately involved in controlling many of these multiple functions of the gut, making it an appealing subject for the study of neuroscientists.
This book reviews the state of current knowledge on the innervation of the gut by the enteric nervous system, and its interface with the extrinsic innervation, from a number of different perspectives, with the aim of providing a comprehensive and accessible account of the subject.

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Irritable bowel syndrome has emerged from relative obscurity to become widely recognised as the cause of considerable morbidity, reduction in quality of life and costs to patients and health services. This review of the current state of knowledge of the condition will act as a ready source of reference to both generalists and specialists and will also widen the reader's understanding of some of the patient's experience of functional somatic disorders.

The clinical efficacy of glucocorticoids in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease has been confirmed in a multitude of controlled monocentre and multicentre studies as well as from observations of the clinical course of the disease. Although, in the past, the treatment recommendations, dose regimen, substance selection and mode of administration were deduced principally from clinical trials, in recent years experimental research has yielded a mass of therapeutically significant new results. This seeks to optimize the clinical effects of the steroids and minimize their adverse events on a rational basis by the application of the knowledge obtained in pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic models, taking into account the different types of protein binding and the intrinsic activity of the various glucocorticoids. However, the transfer of this type of `disease-adapted differential glucocorticoid treatment' into a clinical context involves a critical examination of the `received' notions that have characterized steroid treatment in the past, such as strictly circadian administration or time-related dose reduction, as well as proof of the clinical superiority of the new therapeutic approaches. This book, the proceedings of a workshop on Glucocorticoid Treatment held in Strasbourg, France, identifies the current status of existing therapeutic concepts in inflammatory bowel disease, presents the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions in connection with the specific pharmacological properties of steroids with reference to substance differences and different modes of administration, and demonstrates their therapeutic significance.

The human pancreas consists of two organs in one: the exocrine gland made up of pancreatic acinar cells and duct cells that produce digestive enzymes and sodium bicarbonate, respectively; the endocrine gland made up of four islet cells, namely alpha-, beta-, delta- and PP-cells that produce glucagon, insulin, somatostatin and pancreatic polypeptide, respectively. While the physiological role of exocrine p- creas is to secrete digestive enzyme responsible for our normal digestion, absorption and assimilation of nutrients, the endocrine pancreas is to secrete islet peptide h- mones maintaining our glucose homeostasis. The pancreatic functions are nely regulated by neurocrine, endocrine, paracrine and/or intracrine mechanisms. Thus, dysregulation of these pathways should have signi cant impacts on our health and disease. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms by which pancreatic functions are regulated remain poorly understood. Recent basic science and clinical studies con rm myriad physiological and pathophysiological roles of the tissue renin-angiotensin systems (RAS). Of parti- lar interest is the recent identi cation of a local and functional RAS in the pancreas, which in uences both its exocrine and endocrine function. Its role in the pat- genesis of pancreatic diseases including diabetes and pancreatitis is increasingly recognized, as is the therapeutic potential of RAS antagonism: RAS blockade l- its disease progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance, and may also protect against pancreatic in ammation.

A comprehensive guide, Women's Health in IBD: The Spectrum of Care From Birth to Adulthood will help providers approach the specific issues that women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) face throughout their lifetimes. This book will better equip providers to counsel and support women of all ages with IBD. In Women's Health in IBD, Drs. Bincy P. Abraham, Sunanda V. Kane, and Kerri L. Glassner focus on the unique aspects of care for women with IBD. Half of the IBD patient population is female. As we understand more about gender and sex differences in terms of genetics, physiology, and medical care, it is important to consider these factors between men and women to personalize their care. This book encompasses the entire life span of the female IBD patient through birth, adolescence, pregnancy, menopause, and older adult years. Each chapter includes discussions of medications, treatment plans, and common questions or controversies on important topics in IBD such as: Transitioning from pediatric to adult care Diet and nutrition Mental health Health maintenance Family planning Pregnancy and breastfeeding Menopause Concomitant irritable bowel syndrome Women's Health in IBD: The Spectrum of Care From Birth to Adulthood is an essential text that will help anyone who treats women with IBD, offering practical tools and takeaways for point of care and beyond.

The brain-gut connection has been increasingly implicated in biopsychosocial well-being. While there are numerous factors that directly and indirectly impact on how the gut and the brain interact, there is a growing awareness that gastrointestinal conditions need to be viewed and treated as part of a multidisciplinary approach. Psychogastroenterology for Adults: A Handbook for Mental Health Professionals is the first book to provide mental health professionals with an evidence-based, practical guide for working with patients living with gastrointestinal conditions. Timely and accessibly written, this book provides a unique, comprehensive introduction to psychogastroenterology, offering a step-by-step guide to evidence-based psychological treatment protocols. Broad in scope and expertise, the book is divided into four parts. It opens with an overview of the field, moving on to outline psychological concerns and conditions in gastroenterological (GI) cohorts. Further, it covers various approaches to psychogastroenterology, including psychopharmacological and eHealth practices. In closing, the book looks to the future, providing guidance on supervision in psychogastroenterology, and exploring challenges in the field. Written by experts in the field, this book will be an indispensable resource for those who wish to enhance their knowledge and practice of psychogastroenterology in the mental health profession, including psychologists, psychiatrists, psychosomatic medicine specialists, nurses and social workers.

The second edition of "Clinical Dilemmas in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: New Challenges," is a practical, up-to-date handbook providing expert guidance on specific clinical dilemmas and areas of difficulty that the gastroenterologist regularly faces in day-to-day practice.

In this new edition, 75% of the "dilemmas" are brand new dilemmas facing the IBD specialist concerning emerging treatment therapies, such as the use of cannbinoids and Viagra for Crohn's disease. The remaining 25% of the dilemmas are fully updated from the previous edition, incorporating the latest clinical thinking.

Each of the 57 evidence-based chapters contains clear learning points, addresses different topics, and provides sound guidance on subjects ranging from optimizing current management through to special management problems and novel treatments.

This book is suitable for all medical professionals involved in the care of patients with IBD: established and trainee gastroenterologists, colorectal surgeons, pathologists, radiologists, specialist nurses, pharmacists, dieticians and counselors.

Single Incision Laparoscopic and Transanal Colorectal Surgery provide a comprehensive and state-of-the art review of single incision laparoscopic and transanal colorectal surgery. The text concentrates on surgical techniques and tricks in single incision laparoscopic and transanal surgery with detailed descriptions of the techniques, as well as indications and limitations of the procedures. The newly available evidence on these procedures is emphasized and all procedures are richly illustrated with diagrams and photos. Written by experts in their fields, Single Incision Laparoscopic and Transanal Colorectal Surgery is valuable resource for general surgeons, colon and rectal surgeons, laparoscopic GI surgeons, surgical residents and fellows in training interested in these two rapidly developing fields in colorectal surgery.

This series of pocketbooks sets out to provide easily-assimilable, essential information on the diagnosis and treatment of the most common medical conditions. This volume deals with reflux and oesophageal problems.

Liver disease in children is increasing in prevalence, placing a huge burden on healthcare systems and often requiring long-term management. Offering an integrative approach to the science and clinical practice of pediatric hepatology, this is the definitive reference text for improved diagnosis and treatment strategies. In the new edition of this authoritative text, chapters have been thoroughly revised in line with major advances in the field, such as recognizing the increased frequency of fatty liver disease, and how genetic testing has the potential to establish earlier diagnoses for a variety of diseases. Disorders covered include cholestasis, metabolic disorders and hepatitis, with their presentation across the spectrum of infancy, childhood and adolescence discussed. The indications and surgical aspects of liver transplant are explained and post-transplant care is described in detail. This is a valuable resource for pediatricians, hepatologists, gastroenterologists and all clinicians involved in the care of children with liver diseases.

This book reaches out to a wide variety of professionals in the biomedical field with an interest in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Enormous progress has been made in the last few years since the publication of the first edition in the study of complex diseases and IBD, with hundreds of genomic regions identified that are associated with increased risk. Authored by leading clinical and research scientists in the field, the book includes state-of-the art synopses of recent genetic findings, and their interpretation for current and future exploitation in translational approaches to personalized medicine in IBD. The book also covers risk prediction, improved diagnostic and therapeutic precision, dissection of disease phenotypes and subtypes, identification of biomarkers, and host gene-microbiota interactions of clinical relevance.

Translational Gastroenterology: Organogenesis to Disease bridges the gap between basic and clinical research by providing information on GI (gastrointestinal) organ development discovered through scientific inquiry, alongside clinical observations of acquired and congenital abnormalities. Paired chapters, written from basic science and clinical viewpoints, review the major biological pathways and molecules at work in organ ontogeny and disease. In addition to a comprehensive survey of GI organ development and pathologies, the book also highlights model organisms and new areas of research, with chapters devoted to recent advances in the field of GI stem cell biology, and the potential for tissue engineering of GI organs. The topics covered provide a unique window onto current activity in the field of gastroenterology, fostering enhanced knowledge for developmental biologists as well as for clinical practitioners. Notable features include the following: Basic science chapters review the molecular and cellular pathways of GI organ development alongside clinical chapters examining organ-based diseases, closing the gap between the bench and the clinic. Derivative organs esophagus, stomach, pylorus, small intestine, colon, liver, and pancreas as well as tissues such as serosa and enteric nervous system that are common to multiple GI organs. Chapters detailing the use of model organisms Drosophila, sea urchin, zebrafish, C. elegans, Xenopus for basic discovery studies are included. Chapters on GI stem cells and the potential for tissue engineering of the GI organs provide a view to the future of research and therapy in these organs.

Reduced port laparoscopic surgery is a fast-developing topic for the laparoscopic surgeon, with the emergence of a number of new techniques as well as new instruments.

Edited by surgeons who have pioneered the single-incision approach, this volume provides extensive information for the beginning surgeon, examining different operation techniques and covering the advantages and pitfalls of reduced port laparoscopic surgery. In addition, the text provides the foundation for new ideas to further develop skills for the advanced laparoscopic surgeon.

Inflammation and Natural Products brings together research in the area of the natural products and their anti-inflammatory action in medical, nutraceutical and food products, addressing specific chronic inflammatory diseases like cancer and the mechanistic aspects of the mode of action of some key natural products. Inflammation is a complicated process, driven by infection or injury or genetic changes, which results in triggering signalling cascades, activation of transcription factors, gene expression, increased levels of inflammatory enzymes, and release of various oxidants and pro-inflammatory molecules in inflammatory cells. Excessive oxidants and inflammatory mediators have a harmful effect on normal tissue, including toxicity, loss of barrier function, abnormal cell proliferation, inhibiting normal function of tissues and organs and finally leading to systemic disorders. The emerging development of natural product formulations utilizing the unique anti-inflammatory compounds such as polyphenols, polysaccharides, terpenes, fatty acids, proteins and several other bioactive components has shown notable successes. Inflammation and Natural Products: Recent Development and Current Status provides a comprehensive resource, ranging from detailed explanation on inflammation to molecular docking strategies for naturally occurring compounds with anti-inflammatory activity. It is useful for graduate students, academic and professionals in the fields of pharmaceutical and medical sciences and specialists from natural product-related industries.

This comprehensive treatise on cutting edge tools and research provides a fascinating insight into the rapidly evolving field of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy. Accomplished international researchers and clinicians discuss the latest endoscopic advances in diverse areas including obesity and associated metabolic syndromes, management of peripancreatic fluid collections, endoluminal suturing techniques, fistula closure, management of Barrett's epithelium, cholangioscopy, chromoendoscopy, high resolution manometry and endoscopic ultrasonography. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: New Technologies and Changing Paradigms is a valuable resource on the evolving role of endoscopic management of gastrointestinal diseases and is a tremendous resource for gastroenterologists, endoscopists, GI surgeons, and medical residents.