There has been incredible progress over the last decade in therapeutic endoscopy. Such therapies are either easier now than ten years ago or are possible when previously they were inconceivable. These advances have depended upon major improvements in diagnostic endoscopy for different subspecialties. Simultaneously, a major innovation for therapeutics through endoscopes is the application of medical lasers. This book is written by renowned biophysicists and laser endoscopists of different sub specialties where the application of lasers has revolutionized medical care. In some cases treatments which were not previously possible are now routine. Laser palliation of obstructing tumors in different sub specialties is an example of this. In other cases, resective surgery is obviated by the application of lasers via endoscopy such as for the control of gastrointestinal bleeding. The authors of different medical or surgical subspecialties which use endoscopic lasers write about the pathology and clinical problems, their personal experience and results. However, they also emphasize their techniques of laser endoscopy through case examples, technical discussions, and colored illustrations. Their discussions will give the reader a better understanding about the role of laser treatment of different conditions compared to routine medical or surgical therapy. In several instances, randomized controlled trials involving medical lasers were discussed in this book because they fundamentally changed our understanding of common problems such as upper gastrointestinal bleeding. We predict continued progress in therapeutic endoscopy.

Albumin is the most abundant serum protein produced by the liver. In clinical practice the serum level of albumin continues to be used as an important marker of the presence, progress or ofthe improvement of many diseases, even though it is the complex end result of synthesis, degradation a. nd distribution between intra- and extravascular space. The clinical history of albumin began as early as in 1837, when Ancell first recognized "albumen" and noted that this protein is needed for trans port functions, for maintaining fluidity of the vascular system and for the prevention of edema. However, the important physiological properties of serum proteins and their role in the regulation ofthe oncotic pressure were demonstrated later by the physiologist E. H. Starling in 1895. In 1917 the clinician A. A. Epstein first described the edema in patients with the nephro tic syndrome as being a result of a very low level of serum albumin. Al though the determination of serum albumin concentration became more popular after Howe in 1921 introduced the technique of separation of serum globulins from albumin by sodium sulfate, the first preparations of human serum albumin were made available for clinical use in only 1941 by the development of plasma fractionation by Cohn and his coworkers at Harvard Medical School."

by Dr. Jan. J. Smulewicz Ultrasound imaging has reached a stage of sophistication where by diagnostic information can be gained without discomfort to the patient and with complete absence of morbidity and mortality. The procedure is quick, safe, noninvasive and in many instances can supersede and obviate more time-consuming procedures requiring catheterization, injection of a contrast material, and radiographic imaging. In obstetrical problems the danger of ionizing radiation to the fetus is eliminated. In debilitated and very ill patients this simple and painless method becomes the procedure of choice. Unique features of ultrasound equipment allow for pinpoint local ization oflesions and direct visual guidance of percutaneous puncture techniques for aspiration and biopsy. The accuracy of ultrasound guided punctures and the absence of side effects make this modality far superior to percutaneous invasive techniques performed with other imaging systems. Renal cyst puncture and amniocentesis are but two of the procedures in which ultrasonic guidance is the method of choice. v Dr. Hassani has throughly explained and carefully explored the wide variety of exam inations available with ultrasound. The large volume of material and the clear interpre- tion makes this book of great interest to all of the medical profession. In addition to the existing methods available for diagnostic in terpretations, this method of noninvasive diagnosis should find its way into every hospital or center where good medical care is provided. JanJ. Smulewicz, M.D."

The impact of Helicobacter pylori on basic science and the clinical management of patients with the complications of this infection is bewildering. The explosion of new information both in the laboratory and at the bedside has progressed at an unprecedented rate. Our main objective in furthering this progress has been to integrate this new information and organize a series of top-quality presentations and discussions between investigators and clinicians on all aspects of H. pylori research and to review the current position and future research directions. To that end, the second meeting 'Helicobacter pylori: Basic Mechanisms to Clinical Cure' was organized in June 1996 in Ottawa, Canada, following the successful format of the first such meeting held in Amelia Island, Florida, in 1993. The meeting again focused on all timely aspects of H. pylori research. Internationally renowned basic and clinical scientists, all experts in their respective fields, explored in depth the spectrum of H. pylori infection and the related complications of gastritis, peptic ulcer, gastric cancer and lymphoma.

Surgical Diseases of the Spleen written and edited by internationally renowned scientists will be a masterpiece for any institution. It provides an updated multidisciplinary review of diseases of the spleen. Experts in the field have customed their chapters to further ease the readers understanding offering all the information needed to progress in this area. Different sections on basic concepts, specific splenic diseases and operative techniques cover new aspects in immunology, infectious, traumatic and neoplastic conditions.

The advances in science and medicine we are now experiencing are unprec edented and exciting. Life expectancy is prolonged, and quality of life is much improved. We learn of fabulous new discoveries made at the bench or the bedside every week. Many diseases have been totally eliminated, others can be significantly improved by new therapeutic formulations. Much of the success can be attributed to a better understanding of disease processes and the specific targeting of new and more effective medications. As is the case in many areas of successful human endeavour, there can be a downside. In the case of drugs and chemicals it is their adverse effects which are of concern. Of course, every effort is made to devise medications that are safe, and the need to elucidate and understand mechanisms are crucial, yet adverse effects remain a problem. They can be unpredictable and diverse. Drugs have been shown to induce virtually the whole gamut of human liver pathology from acute fulminant hepatitis to chronic active hepatitis to cirrho sis and even malignancy. Hence the possibility of adverse drug effects must be considered in the differential diagnosis of many patients with liver disease. This is well recognized and is very important; indeed, removal of the offending agent can often lead to reversal of the adverse effect. This is an area of hepatology where we can really make a difference."

These proceedings of an international meeting held as recently as December 1996 cover diagnostic procedures in pancreatic disease, together with the progress made over the last 10 years in treating acute and chronic pancreatitis as well as pancreatic cancer. The meeting also covered standards in medical and surgical treatment.

Are you looking for concise, practical answers to those questions that are often left unanswered by traditional pediatric GI references? Are you seeking brief, evidence-based advice for complicated cases or controversial decisions? Curbside Consultation in Pediatric GI: 49 Clinical Questions provides quick answers to the tricky questions most commonly posed during a "curbside consultation" between pediatricians. Drs. Joel R. Rosh and Athos Bousvarous have designed this unique reference which offers expert advice, preferences, and opinions on tough clinical questions commonly associated with pediatric GI. The unique Q&A format provides quick access to current information related to pediatric GI with the simplicity of a conversation between two colleagues. Numerous images, diagrams, and references allow readers to browse large amounts of information in an expedited fashion. Some of the questions that are answered: * How is infantile colic diagnosed and treated? * How is GERD diagnosed in infants and what are the best treatments? * How can I optimize my treatment of childhood constipation and does this vary by age? * How can I effectively intervene in a child that is overweight or obese? * Celiac disease seems so much more common -- is this an epidemic? * Why have food allergies become so common and what are the most accurate means of diagnosis? Curbside Consultation in Pediatric GI: 49 Clinical Questions provides information basic enough for residents while also incorporating expert advice that even high-volume pediatricians will appreciate. Pediatricians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, family practitioners and pediatric residents will benefit from the user-friendly, casual format and the expert advice contained within.

The purpose of this series of volumes is to present a comprehensive view of the complications that result from the use of acceptable diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Individual volumes will deal with iatrogenic complications involving (1) the alimentary system, (2) the urinary system, (3) the respiratory and cardiac systems, (4) the skeletal system and (5) the pediatric patient. The term iatrogenic, derived from two Greek words, means physician-induced. Originally, it applied only to psychiatric disorders generated in the patient by autosuggestion, based on misinterpretation of the doctor's attitude and com ments. As clinically used, it now pertains to the inadvertent side-effects and com plications created in the course of diagnosis and treatment. The classic categories of disease have included: (1) congenital and developmental, (2) traumatic, (3) infectious and inflammatory, (4) metabolic, (5) neoplastic, and (6) degenerative. To these must be added, however, iatrogenic disorders-a major, although gen erally unacknowledged, source of illness. While great advances in medical care in both diagnosis and therapy have been accomplished in the past few decades, many are at times associated with certain side-effects and risks which may result in distress equal to or greater than the basic condition. Iatrogenic complications, which may be referred to as "diseases of medical progress," have become a new dimension in the causation of human disease."

The original series, Advances in Prostaglandin Research, edited by Sultan M. M. Karim, was published by MTP Press in three volumes in 1975 and 1976. A glance at those books illustrates the progress that has been made since then. The thromboxanes were mentioned twice (first publication 1975) and prostacyclin not once (first publication 1976); leukotrienes were only on the horizon. The amazing generation of research data in the last 10-15 years has given new, broad insights into many areas, including asthma, inflammation, renal, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases and in reproduction, and has led in some instances to real clinical benefit. This series, Advances in Eicosanoid Research, reflects the current understanding of prostaglandins , thromboxanes and leukotrienes. The aim is to provide an introductory background to each topic and the most up-to-date information available. Although each book stands alone, the eicosanoids cut across many boundaries in their basic actions; selected chapters from each book in the series will provide illuminating and productive information for all readers which will advance their education and research. In the production of this series, I must acknowledge with pleasure my collaboration with editors and authors and the patient endeavours of Dr Michael Brewis and the staff at MTP Press. KEITH HlLUER University of Southampton England ix Preface This book is an appraisal of areas in human reproduction where eicosanoid studies (prostaglandins, leukotrienes and thromboxanes) are contributing to physiological and pathological awareness and clinical advances.

In the past 30 years, gastroesophageal and reflux disease (GERD) has become an important area of clinical medicine. GERD has gradually become associated with other common but unexplained disorders. These conditions have been designated as the extraesophageal manifestations of GERD. Dr. Anthony J. DiMarino, Jr. and Dr. Sidney Cohen and their contributors have written Extraesophageal Manifestations of GERD with the purpose to identify associations with conditions like hoarseness, laryngeal cancer, sleep disorders, and dental caries, and to explore possible causation and mechanisms of disease or possible noncausal relationships. The extraesophageal disorders have become widely accepted in clinical practice. The evidence supporting the pathogenesis of these conditions falls into three major categories: guilt by association, observed mechanistic studies, and therapeutic response to treatment. Inside the pages of Extraesophageal Manifestations of GERD the reader will find recognition and balance in treating patients with common symptom-based disorders. Final resolution of some of the controversies inherent in these associations may require advanced diagnostic tools and advanced pharmacological therapies. With chapters written by experts in the fields of medicine, pediatrics, otolaryngology, and dentistry, Extraesophageal Manifestations of GERD will be a must have for gastroenterologists, internal medicine residents, surgeons, otolaryngologists, and pediatricians.

New surgical techniques for the treatment of anal incontinence have given the increasing number of afflicted patients hope for a cure. Colorectal surgeons and more and more general surgeons are performing operations, yet until now they have not had a text that they can use as a reference work. The guidance and instruction that surgeons need are now available in this atlas. It describes every operation in technical detail, and the two-color illustrations clearly show the essential points of each procedure. The authors discuss thoroughly the indications for surgical treatment, its application to the individual patient, and post-operative care. The comprehensive scope of this book makes it a rich source of information for surgeons working outside highly specialized centers. For specialists, it is the only practical reference available on the subject.

The secretion of bioactive products by tumors of the gastroenteropancreatic system results in the development of watery diarrhea that can lead to death in a very short period if not brought under control. Even if the consequences are less dramatic, the patients' ability to lead a normal daily life is seriously impaired, and they may become severely depressed. SandostatinR alleviates the condition by inhibiting peptide release, and its long duration of action makes it an effective and rational adjunct to therapy at all stages. Last year a consensus Round Table Meeting was held in Scottsdale, Arizona, to discuss the optimal use of SandostatinR in this indication. These guidelines offer the results of clinical research and the dosage recommendations arising from them, together with a critical summary of the points of view presented.

It was with very much pleasure that I accepted the invitation to chair this workshop on Glucagon in Gastroenterology. Not least among the reasons for my accepting was the fact that it would get me out from behind my administrator's desk at the univer sity and enable me to spend what promised to be a few refreshing hours in a field where so much is apparently happening. Another reason for my accepting was the attractiveness of the format planned for the workshop. It was to be a working event. The programme had been carefully planned to ensure that all aspects of the subject were covered and a very tight schedule was drawn up for we had to deal with the whole field in just one day. There was to be a small, truly international, list of participants, and, apart from those presenting papers, only two or three specially invited observers were to be present. Above all, perhaps, was the fact that the meeting was to be a multi disciplinary one."

The most complete presentation of basic and advanced laparoscopic techniques available, due to its integration of procedures from general surgery and other subspecialities. Enhanced by over 750 illustrations (113 of them in full colour) and written by no less than 132 international, interdisciplinary experts, this definitive reference covers all aspects of this still new and expanding technique. Four main sections deal with: basic laparoscopy; laparoscopy and thoracoscopy in general surgery; laparoscopy in surgical subspecialities (gynaecology, urology, angioscopy); plus the technological aspects of laparoscopy. Throughout this authoritative volume, the surgeon will find in-depth reviews of the literature and extensive clinical and scientific data on the rationale for using laparoscopic procedures.
Certain to become a standard in the field.

Bacterial diarrheal diseases are a very important problem for human health, and many people, especially infants and children, die every year from diarrheal diseases, particularly in developing countries. Thus, in 1978 the World Health Organization initiated a Diarrhoeal Diseases Control Programme and is now working actively to control diarrheal diseases. The "International Symposium on Bacterial Diarrheal Diseases" which took place in Osaka from March 23rd to 25th, 1982, was organized by Osaka University with the support of the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture of the Japanese Government. The aim of this Symposium was to promote exchange of scientific information on bacterial diarrheal diseases, few years due since studies in this field have progressed rapidly during the last to work in many laboratories throughout the world. It seems appropriate that this Symposium was held in Osaka, since during the past century Japanese bacteriologists have made a number of important con tributions in the field of bacterial diarrheal diseases. Outstanding among these contributions are the recognition of Shigella as a causative agent of bacillary dysentery by Dr. Kiyoshi Shiga and the serotyping of Vibrio cholerae into the Ogawa, Inaba and Hikojima serotypes by Drs. Kabeshima and Nobechi. Moreover more recently, Dr. Tsunesaburo Fujino of Osaka University discovered Vibrio parahaemolyticus as the causative agent of an important diarrheal disease."

Pancreatic Disease: Towards the Year 2000 provides a clear picture of the current research activity in pancreatic disease and its related basic science. Experts currently contributing to advances in understanding and treatment have provided concise and clear reviews of their subject. Each contribution summarises the relevant literature and describes recent advances whilst highlighting those areas where current research will impinge on clinical practice in the next few years. The reader will find in this book all the latest material related to pancreatic disease, cancer, acute and chronic pancreatitis and a number of other topics including transplantation and the relationship between endocrine and exocrine disease and cystic fibrosis. The book will supplement existing texts and will be of value to practising specialists who deal with pancreatic disease as well as specialist trainees in surgery and medical gastroenterology.

Dr. Dobranowski and his associates are to be highly commended for this excellent manual. I am not aware of a similar text covering the subject. Although all of us perform gastrointestinal studies in a differ ent manner, this text provides an excellent overview. The reader will discover that the text is especially well written and focuses on the important issues relating to GI contrast studies. Because Dr. Steven son's group performs endoscopic procedures, they are included in the manual. These authors are recognized scholars and leaders in gastrointesti nal radiology. Thus, it is easy to understand why the manual is so well done. I am particularly impressed with the emphasis placed on the patient-radiologist relationship before, during, and after completion of a study. All of us who teach gastrointestinal radiology are concerned about the decline in the number of gastrointestinal contrast studies. We are not sure how we can continue to teach our residents the proper tech niques and maintain high-quality teaching programs in gastrointesti nal radiology. A manual of this type is thus timely and appropriate. The manual will be a valuable addition to the library of all radiologists. It will be particularly useful for residents who are learning how to per form GI contrast studies."

The inflammatory bowel diseases, of unknown etiology and for which there are no cures, continue to attract the attention and interest of gastroenterologists, internists and surgeons. International symposia are common and it is safe to say that there is at least one major symposium held somewhere in the world each year. This book encompasses the proceedings of two recent symposia held in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. The symposia were the fifth and sixth international meetings focused on inflammatory bowel disease in Canada in the last eight years. Once again they were sponsored by Axcan Pharma, Inc. (formerly Interfalk Canada, Inc.) and endorsed by the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology. As has become traditional at such meetings the faculty was drawn from an international roster ofleaders in the field of inflammatory bowel disease and gastroenterology. The chapters of the proceedings provide a timely, up-to-date review of the major issues, including those within the realm of basic science and others dealing with clinical problems. The first symposium, 'Basic Research and Clinical Implications', was co-ordinated by John Wallace in association with Stephen Collins and Stephan Targan. The themes of this section were organized under the general topics of predisposing factors (genetics, animal models, infection, permeability, and immune deficits) and the pathophysiology of intestinal inflammation. The second symposium, Trends in Therapy' was organized by Lloyd Sutherland along with Franc; ois Martin, Robin McLeod and Noel Williams.

Vaccines have historically been considered to be the most cost-effective method for preventing communicable diseases. It was a vaccine that en abled global eradication of the dreaded disease smallpo. ."

The original series, Advances in Prostaglandin Research, edited by Sultan M. M. Karim, was published by MTP Press in three volumes in 1975 and 1976. A glance at those books illustrates the progress that has been made since then. The thromboxanes were mentioned twice (first publication 1975) and prostacyclin not once (first publication 1976); leukotrienes were only on the horizon. The amazing generation of research data in the last 10-15 years has given new, broad insights into many areas, including asthma, inflammation, renaL cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases and in reproduction, and has led in some instances to real clinical benefit. This series, AdvancesinEicosanoidResearch, reflects the current understanding of prostaglandins, thromboxanes and leukotrienes. The aim is to provide an introductory background to each topic and the most up-to-date information available. Although each book stands alone, the eicosanoids cut across many boundaries in their basic actions; selected chapters from each book in the Series will provide illuminating and productive information for all readers which will advance their education and research. In the production of this series, I must acknowledge with pleasure my collaboration with editors and authors and the patient endeavours of Dr. Michael Brewis and the staff at MTP Press

Recent Advances in Coloproctology provides a thorough overview of modern developments in the surgical treatment of disorders of the lower intestine including ulcerative colitis/severe acute colitis, Crohn's disease, carcinomas, haemorrhoids and anal incontinence. Recognizing that the surgeon does not work in isolation, the book also integrates recent progress in imaging techniques for the anal canal and rectum, and highlights medico-legal considerations in separate chapters. Aimed at current practitioners and trainees, Recent Advances in Coloproctology discusses key concepts that will assist general surgeons and colorectal consultants in their management of patients with a broad spectrum of anorectal and colonic disorders. With a problem-oriented slant, this book is essential reading for all those with interest in coloproctology.

Diagnostic Pathology of the Intestinal Mucosa - An Atlas and Review of Biopsy Interpretation offers a comprehensive overview of intestinal mucosal structure as defined through peroral or endoscopic biopsy specimens obtained in normal and disease states. It describes small intestinal biopsy pathology in conjunction with morphologic, functional, and pathophysiologic correlations. Routine methods of processing tissues for light microscopy, electron microscopy, histochemistry, and light- and electron- microscopic-immunoperoxidase techniques are presented so that the novice in the area of intestinal structure may have an easily accessible reference for setting up a morphologic laboratory.

Drugs are often associated with adverse effects, and the digestive tract is the most frequent target. This volume collects a number of updated overviews from experts in this area to offer to the reader a single, complete source of information and reference on that subject.

Modern surgical oncology is characterized by multimodal therapy. In recent years numerous therapeutic approaches of pre-, peri-, intra-and postoperative treatment have been in vestigated with regard to their use in combination with surgi cal intervention. It now is time to analyze and to define the state of our knowledge. For tumors of the gastrointestinal tract there are several encouraging therapeutic approaches, such as preop erative chemotherapy in esophageal and perioperative chemotherapy in colon cancer. For some special tumors, like anal carcinoma, we have clearly defined combined therapies which even now must be viewed as standard treatment. It is also time to demonstrate the results of several clini cal studies that have been conducted within the last few years that combined surgical efforts with pre- or postinter ventional chemotherapy or radiotherapy. It is necessary to evaluate whether these trials contribute to progress in onco logical therapy. The editors of this volume - surgeons at the university hospitals of Heidelberg and Zurich - must be given the mer it of achieving these goals. It was especially appropriate for the Department of Surgery in Heidelberg, in close coopera tion with the Comprehensive Cancer Center Heidelberg/ Mannheim, to prepare a review of our present knowledge of surgical oncology as it is in the tradition of attempting to combine different therapeutic approaches to cancer therapy.