Medical Therapy of Ulcerative Colitis will serve as an invaluable resource for individual physicians use who treat patients with ulcerative colitis. The text presents a comprehensive overview of medical therapy for management of specific clinical scenarios and also a focus on the individual medications used to treat patients with ulcerative colitis. The book will be evidence based and focus on simplifying the current treatment to make it easy to understand. The chapters are written by experts in their fields and provide the most up to date information. This book will target gastroenterologists who focus on IBD, general gastroenterologists, fellows, and surgeons such as colorectal surgeons or GI surgeons who may treat patients with ulcerative colitis.

Any surgical intervention, elective or acute, may lead to postoperative complications. Moreover, the pertaining approach - laparoscopic or open - will probably not differ in the morbidity rate after surgery. Complications that occur after a surgical intervention can be classified as major or minor. Major complications to the digestive tract after surgery imply in most of cases a leakage of an anastomosis, bleeding in the abdominal cavity or in the tract, the appearance of intraperitoneal abscesses, or surgical site infections and wound dehiscence. These complications, depending on the organ affected, upper GI, HPB tract or colorectal, are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Early suspicion and diagnosis, followed by an early and effective treatment is imperative in order to reduce the morbidity and mortality. Adequate treatment will involve a good coordination of the three disciplines involved in treatment: the surgeon, the intervention radiologist, and the gastroenterologist. Approach of these postoperative complications is changing constantly and these changes are not properly known by general and more specialized digestive surgeons daily involved in the treatment of these diseases. The proposal for this book is to offer a systematic description of the most frequent complications occurring in the three above mentioned parts of the digestive tract. In this way, the reader will have access to a practical book in which every current complication can be easily recognized, along with relevant information as guide for an adequate treatment.

This Recent Results in Cancer Research volume provides an up-to-date overview of the multidisciplinary management of locally confined rectal cancer as well as colorectal cancer with synchronous resectable liver metastases. The contents comprise the majority of the invited contributions from the Second St. Gallen EORTC Gastrointestinal Cancer Conference, held on 6-8 March 2014 in St. Gallen, Switzerland. Written by some of the world’s leading experts in the imaging, endoscopy, pathology, molecular biology, surgery, radiotherapy and medical oncology of rectal cancer and liver metastases, the chapters offer a comprehensive view on the latest recommendations in diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment. Every clinician involved in the care of patients with rectal cancer will find this book interesting and helpful.

This volume presents the most recent developments in diagnosis and treatment of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and those who continue to be refractory to conventional GERD therapies. The book delineates the role of newly developed endoscopic therapies in GERD and outlines the best candidates for surgical fundoplication. Topics as the risks associated with GERD, lifestyle modification in GERD and the role of H2RA and proton pump inhibitor therapy in treating reflux disease are also explored. Written by authorities in the field, Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is a concise yet comprehensive resource that is useful for primary care providers, gastroenterologists, pulmonologists, surgeons and ENT specialists.

Celiac Disease is an authoritative text intended to educate healthcare practitioners, gastroenterologists, physicians and nutritionists about the diverse manifestations, complications and management of gluten-sensitive enteropathy. The seventeen-chapter text provides the latest research on pathophysiology, including animal models, immunopathogenesis, genetics and the intestinal microflora. The book also features chapters on diagnosis, monitoring, complications and nutritional management, including therapies on the horizon. The text concludes with appendices that provide educational tools for symptom monitoring and dietary guidance. Written by specialists in their respective fields, Celiac Disease is a comprehensive resource that provides the healthcare practitioner an evidence-based practical guide to pathogenesis and therapy of celiac disease.

This book provides a state-of-the-art review of the role of radiation therapy in various pelvic malignancies as well as the consequences of the radiation in the pelvic tissues. With sections covering the role of radiation therapy in the various pelvic malignancies, the pathophysiology of radiation related injury and the risk factors that increase the possibility of such an injury, and the latest in medical, endoscopic and surgical therapies for these radiation related complications the text offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of radiation therapy in the human pelvis, its role and the adverse effects on the pelvic organs. Written by experts in the field with readers in mind, Radiation Therapy for Pelvic Malignancy and its Consequences is the first of its kind standalone reference on the subject. Radiation Therapy for Pelvic Malignancy and its Consequences is of great value to urologists, medical radiation and gynecological oncologists, and gastroenterologists.

Variceal Hemorrhage provides an update of the evidence concerning several aspects of variceal hemorrhage. The book features new information on natural history, diagnosis of esophageal varices, assessment of the risk of bleeding and identification of high risk groups and patients who may benefit or be harmed from different treatments. The volume also presents a critical analysis of the different steps in the management of acute variceal bleeding. Authored by the most prominent world experts in their areas of expertise, Variceal Hemorrhage serves as a very useful reference for gastroenterologists, GI surgeons, residents in internal medicine and physicians dealing with and interested in the different aspects of this severe medical emergency.

Autoimmune (IgG4-related) Pancreatitis and Cholangitis reviews the breadth of clinical, imaging, histological, laboratory, and imaging features associated with IgG4-associated systemic disease, especially AIP and IAC. Written by experts in their fields, each chapter includes an overview of existing data as well as the most up-to-date scientific information and emerging data. The book also addresses areas of uncertainty and controversy, briefly highlighting clinical and research needs relative to the respective topic. Comprehensive and easy to use, Autoimmune (IgG4-related) Pancreatitis and Cholangitis is a valuable resource for physicians who deal with or are interested in these complex disease processes, including gastroenterologists, hepatologists, and surgeons.

This volume provides a comprehensive summary of the field, with expert recommendations on prediction and management. It details the recent consensus guidelines (2012) updating the definition of pancreatitis and its complications. The text thoughtfully summarizes the current prediction models for severe acute pancreatitis, including laboratory, clinical and imaging parameters. It also highlights the relative advantages and disadvantages of several of these models. Evidenced-based guidelines into medical and surgical management of both the hospitalized and discharged patient are described, with recommendations from expert authors pertaining to various clinical situations. Finally, complications of acute pancreatitis and their management, including the use of cutting-edge minimally-invasive therapies, is discussed. Prediction and Management of Severe Acute Pancreatitis will serve as the fundamental source for those interested in and treating this disease, including practicing gastroenterologists, surgeons, radiologists, intensivists, hospitalists and pathologists.

Liver Immunology: Principles and Practice, Second Edition begins with important information about the epidemiology and mortality of liver disease worldwide. This information is followed by chapters related to basic immunology, application of liver immunology for diagnosis, and several excellent chapters that provide a solid foundation for understanding immune-mediated liver disease, including those associated with the biliary tree. A chapter on non-hepatic manifestations of immune mediated liver disease helps provide context for how these diseases affect the patient overall.  In addition, chapters discuss various discrete immunologically-mediated infectious liver disorders including those related to bacteria, parasites, and all of the classic viruses. Chapters on the traditional autoimmune liver diseases --  primary biliary cirrhosis, autoimmune hepatitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis as well as overlap syndrome – are also included. The breadth of this comprehensive second edition is highlighted by chapters on alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and drug-induced liver disease, among others.  This invaluable new edition ends with a forward-looking view of future directions and how the field might meet the challenge of refractory patients.  Developed by a renowned group of authors, Liver Immunology: Principles and Practice, Second Edition will again serve as a comprehensive textbook by providing an excellent overview for this rapidly evolving field. It greatly adds to the understanding of the pathogenesis of these diseases, while also providing novel insights that can be harnessed into helping improve the care of patients afflicted with various immune-mediated diseases.  This volume will again be a must-read for clinicians at all levels, investigators and students.

This book will incorporate a multimodality approach toward inflammatory bowel diseases. Up to date imaging methodologies will be described along with their strengths and weaknesses that will help in providing a rational diagnostic strategy for clinical, surgical and support teams working with these patients. Advances in medical and surgical treatment would be detailed and these would be useful to readers and professionals keen to implement these techniques in their own clinical practice.

This book pursues a multidisciplinary approach, presenting chapters with updated information on various aspects of treatment for patients with neuroendocrine tumors. Authors have been selected from expert centers in Europe and the United States. The goal of this book is to comprehensively summarize recent data and provide inspiring ideas to optimize the care of patients with neuroendocrine tumors. Neuroendocrine tumors are fascinating multifaceted diseases that can primarily localize in many organs with various presentations. These tumors are rare but their increasing incidence renders likely that physicians caring for cancers may have either already faced or may be certainly exposed to diagnose and/or treat a patient with neuroendocrine tumors. Over the last years, novel therapeutic options have emerged for neuroendocrine tumors, profoundly challenging practices that had previously been the standards for decades. These include - but are not limited to - somatostatin analogues, targeted therapies such as tyrosine kinase and mTOR inhibitors, antiangiogenic compounds, but also peptide-receptor targeted therapy or radioembolization. This changing field has generated novel treatment algorithms to guide medical decisions. To better understand and handle the multidisciplinary approaches that are required for optimizing the care of neuroendocrine tumor patients, physicians are now looking for references from experts and comprehensive reviews summarizing current knowledge on treatments for patients with neuroendocrine tumors.

T. Hara, I. Kimura, D. Inoue, A. Ichimura, and A. Hirasawa: Free fatty acid receptors and their role in regulation of energy metabolism. B. Nilius and G. Appendino. Spices: the savory and healthy science of pungency.

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) represent an opportunity to treat pancreatic tumors before they develop into aggressive, hard-to-treat cancers. Beginning with morphological classification and its clinical significance, natural history, and malignant change of both main duct and branch duct IPMNs, this book covers the whole field of IPMNs of the pancreas. It reviews the various methods of investigation: imaging, diagnostic investigation of cyst fluid, and those using pancreatic juice; and also examines aspects ranging from the development of malignancy to the timing and method of resection, focusing on both main duct and branch duct IPMNs. Aimed at residents, clinical fellows, and pancreatologists who treat patients with this common disease of the pancreas, this book is a landmark in the current understanding and future perspectives of IPMNs of the pancreas.

This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of common disorders affecting the pancreas and the bile duct. The book reviews the anatomy and laboratory test relevant to the pathophysiology of the disease, categorizes the symptoms under clinical scenarios like "incidental finding" or "painless jaundice", defines accuracy (or lack of) of the investigations used, and formulates a management plan as per evidence-based recommendations. The spectrum of diseases covered include commonly occurring benign conditions like pancreatitis, gall stone disease, bile duct strictures, and malignant diseases of the pancreas, gall bladder and the bile ducts. Also included are topics on motility disorders of the pancreaticobiliary system and pre-malignant conditions. Written by experts in the field, Pancreas and Biliary Diseases: A Point of Care Clinical Guide is a valuable reference resource for clinicians who need the latest evidence-based approach to manage these complex patients and answer questions the patient or the referring doctors may have regarding pancreas and biliary diseases.

The Clinician's Guide to Swallowing Fluoroscopy is a comprehensive resource for all dysphagia clinicians. This beautifully-illustrated text is intended for SLP, ENT, radiology, GI, and rehabilitation specialists interested in swallowing and addresses the need for an up-to-date, all-inclusive reference. Topics covered include radiation safety and protection, fluoroscopic oral, pharygeal, and esophageal phase protocols and abnormalities, and objective measures of timing and displacement.

The Microbiota in Gastrointestinal Pathophysiology: Implications for Human Health, Prebiotics, Probiotics and Dysbiosis is a one-stop reference on the state-of-the-art research on gut microbial ecology in relation to human disease. This important resource starts with an overview of the normal microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus, stomach, Ileum, and colon. The book then identifies what a healthy vs. unhealthy microbial community looks like, including methods of identification. Also included is insight into which features and contributions the microbiota make that are essential and useful to host physiology, as is information on how to promote appropriate mutualisms and prevent undesirable dysbioses. Through the power of synthesizing what is known by experienced researchers in the field, current gaps are closed, raising understanding of the role of the microbiome and allowing for further research.

This book, besides reviewing basic and clinical aspects of Behcet's disease, covers the latest findings, including genetic studies and treatment with biologics for the disease. Although the cause of Behcet's disease is still unknown, it is well known that genetic factors, such as HLA-B51, are involved in its development. Recently, novel susceptibility loci including IL10, IL23R-IL12RB2, and endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 have been identified, providing new insights into the pathogenesis of the disease. In addition to basic research, the beneficial efficacy of anti-TNF-alpha monoclonal antibodies has also been suggested for not only uveitis associated with the disease but also other subtypes of the disease such as entero-, vasculo-, and neuro- Behcet's disease. Behcet's Disease: From Genetics to Therapies provides essential information both for basic researchers working in the fields of immunology, inflammation, and genetics, and for clinical physicians who are interested in Behcet's disease, such as ophthalmologists, rheumatologists, dermatologists, gastroenterologists, neurologists, and vascular surgeons.

Constipation: A Practical Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment serves as an unmet resource for physicians and other health care providers, including trainees and students, who see patients with constipation. The text reviews pathophysiologic mechanisms and details evaluation and management strategies. The volume also enables the reader to identify epidemiologic factors and quality of life parameters for patients with constipation, discuss differences in pathophysiologic mechanisms for different etiologies of constipation, recognize primary causes of constipation, and assess special considerations related to the symptom of constipation including presentations in the elderly, in pregnant women, in patients with systemic diseases, and patients with a history of abuse. Written by thought leaders and recognized experts in gastrointestinal motility and medical education, Constipation: A Practical Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment is of great value and utility for gastroenterologists, primary care physicians, gynecologists, nurse practitioners, physician's assistants, as well as fellows and residents.

This book, written by expert surgeons, offers a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of all aspects of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Coverage includes the indications for surgery, anesthesia, surgical technique, and the prevention and management of complications, with extensive reference to the latest clinical evidence and assessment of the benefits of the laparoscopic approach, for example in terms of outcomes and day surgery. New technologies, including SILS, NOTES, robotic surgery, and miniaturized instruments, are reviewed. The learning curve and training are also extensively discussed, and an individual chapter is devoted to the views of international experts in the field. Readers will find the book to be an ideal guide to this gold standard technique, which continues to evolve some 20 years after the National Institutes of Health Consensus Conference first published recommendations regarding indications for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

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.

Surgical Management of Benign Esophageal Disorders: The "Chicago Approach" covers all stages of the diagnosis and treatment of the most common benign esophageal disorders in a concise and easy-to-read format.Indications, patient preparation, operative techniques, and strategies for avoiding and managing complications are included and based both on evidence-based data and the experience of the most famous esophageal surgeons in the United States and abroad. Each chapter includes a summary of the current management strategy for the disease process, and a review of current state of the art techniques provided by world leaders on esophageal disease, surgeons and gastroenterologists alike. A special emphasis is given to emerging procedures in laparoscopy, thoracoscopy, and endoscopy. Surgical Management of Benign Esophageal Disorders: The "Chicago Approach" is illustrated throughout with line diagrams that depict fundamental anatomic or technical principles and is a valuable resource for surgeons and gastroenterologists in residence and training.

We are a culture increasingly obsessed with food and health, and with the possible relationship between the two. Yet everywhere we look we see conflicting opinions and advice about the role of food in health. We are inundated by books, T.V. specials, magazine and newspaper articles - so much so that people have begun to ignore today's recommendations of health experts, knowing that today's fad will be gone tomorrow.

In Good Food for Bad Stomachs, Dr, Henry Janowitz shares this healthy skepticism about some of these news stories and sets out to make sense of the many research reports and claims, to sort out fact from opinion, and to suggest a sensible diet for those of us who have gastorintestinal complaints and for those of us who do not. He asks two central questions which shape the content and spirit of the book: Is there an "ideal" diet and is there a consensus on what the "ideal" diet might contain? And most important to his patients, what do we know about the role of our eating habits in preventing, causing, and treating the many disorders which plague our gastrointestinal tract and its associated digestive glands--the liver, gall bladder, and pancreas?

Dr. Janowitz does believe we are what we eat, and the good news is that we can prevent many of our modern diseases by adhering to simple guidelines that are built on solid evidence and the insights of a master clinician who has spent a lifetime listening, treating, and healing patients.

In this book we have taken a comprehensive look at the subject of familial and hereditary gastric tumors. In particular, the aim of this novel editorial work is to propose the correct management of hereditary diffuse gastric cancer patients, focusing in particular on E-cadherin germline mutations, clinical criteria definition, genetic screening and molecular mechanisms, pathology and microscopic features, surgical treatment and clinical approach for asymptomatic mutation carriers. We also describe other inherited predispositions involving gastric carcinoma.

Research into gastrointestinal motility has received renewed interest in part due to recent advances in the techniques for measuring the structure and function of gastrointestinal cells, tissue and organs. The integration of this wealth of data into biophysically based computation models can aid in interpretation of experimental and clinical measurements and the refinement of measurement techniques. The contents of this book span multiple scales - from cell, tissue, organ, to whole body and is divided into four broad sections covering: i) gastrointestinal cellular activity and tissue structure; (ii) techniques for measuring, analyzing and visualizing high-resolution extra-cellular recordings; (iii) methods for sensing gastroelectrical activity using non-invasive bio-electro-magnetic fields and for modulating the underlying gastric electrical activity and finally (iv) methods for assessing manometric and videographic motility patterns and the application of these data for predicting the flow and mixing behavior of luminal contents by using computational fluid dynamic techniques. This book aims to provide both an overview of historical and existing research techniques as well as to highlight future directions and challenges for the community as a whole. It will be suitable for clinicians to understand the cellular and biophysical underpinnings of gastric emptying, gastroenterologists, surgeons, bioengineers and all scientists with interests in gastrointestinal motility research.