This text provides a comprehensive review of ERCP and EUS and the clinical conditions for which they are employed. Presented in a case-based format with accompanying videos, it will serve as a valuable practical clinical resource for gastroenterologists with an interest in ERCP and EUS. The text highlights major techniques involved in ERCP, reviews complications and recent data on preventing post-ERCP pancreatitis, and discusses important issues in training in ERCP including use of endoscopic simulators and assessment of competency as emphasized in the new ACGME guidelines. For biliary diseases, new techniques for managing biliary stones, novel technologies for diagnosing indeterminate biliary strictures, and new devices for treating benign and malignant strictures are also highlighted. For pancreatic diseases, advances in minimally invasive endoscopic techniques for pancreatic stones and strictures, and management of the complications of pancreatitis are reviewed. Furthermore, ERCP is not limited by age, pregnancy or history of abdominal surgeries and special considerations particular to these patient populations are also discussed. The EUS chapters review the breadth of equipment available for performing EUS and EUS-FNA, detail the technique of performing EUS-FNA, and explore pertinent issues with training and assessing competency analogous to ERCP training. Valuable insights on the basics of cytopathology relevant to the endosonographer are summarized. The classic indication for EUS of staging luminal cancers is examined in detail while pancreaticobiliary indications are discussed highlighting newer adjunctive technologies including elastography and contrast-enhanced EUS. Although in its infancy, the brave new world of therapeutic EUS is explored with a focus on endoscopic necrosectomy, EUS-guided biliary and pancreatic access as well as the exciting possibilities of EUS-guided radiofrequency ablation and injection of anti-tumor agents. ERCP and EUS: A Case Based Approach will serve as a very useful resource for physicians who perform or refer patients for ERCP and EUS. It provides a concise yet comprehensive summary of the current status of ERCP and EUS that will help guide patient management and stimulate clinical research.

Autoimmune Liver Diseases summarizes the recent high-impact research and clinical findings obtained in Japan in the study and treatment of autoimmune liver diseases. Although these disorders are relatively rare, they are recognized as an important group of refractory liver diseases, the most common of which are autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). The book therefore comprises two major sections, one dealing with AIH, the other with PBC. AIH in Japanese patients creates a unique disease population, as its clinical features are different from those of Western patients resulting from the different genetic background of the two patient populations. Also, mouse models of neonatal thymectomy-PD-1 knockout mice, clinical analyses of acute hepatitis-like manifestations, and research findings on IgG4-related autoimmune hepatitis have been reported in Japan and are included in this book. A disease-susceptibility gene specific to Japanese PBC patients has also recently been discovered. Because of the relatively homogeneous population of Japan, analyses conducted with Japanese PBC patients have yielded findings that are highly relevant to the pathogenesis of the disease. Furthermore, new pathological staging criteria, anti-gp210 antibodies and the basis they provide for improved accuracy of prognosis, treatment with bezafibrate, and the outcomes of living-donor liver transplantation are also presented here. This volume therefore serves as a useful resource not only for hepatologists, but also for researchers, clinical residents, and medical students both in Japan and in other countries.

Since the publication of the first edition, there have been advances in both the diagnosis and the management of many of the cholestatic liver diseases. Cholestatic Liver Disease, Second Edition thoroughly updates the topics previously addressed, such as primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis and cholestatic variants of drug hepatotoxicity and viral disease. New treatments, such as the development of the farnesoid X receptor agonists for the treatment of PBC, are highlighted. Current guidelines and areas of uncertainty are also covered. Additionally, new chapters have been added to reflect the changing landscape of cholestatic liver disease. Cholestatic Liver Disease, Second Edition is a concise yet comprehensive summary of the current status of the field and is of value to clinicians and researchers interested in patients with cholestatic liver disease provide that will help to guide patient management and stimulate investigative efforts.

This volume provides a concise yet comprehensive overview on surgical procedures performed on the cirrhotic patient. The text explains the underlying pathophysiologic alterations in liver disease and cirrhosis, provides assessment of disease severity and risk factors, and helps to predict potential outcomes based on the nature of the operation. Operations discussed in detail include bariatric surgery, colorectal surgery, hepatic surgery, kidney transplantation, gynecological procedures, neurosurgical procedures, and ophthalmic surgery. The book is also supplemented with instructive color illustrations and tables. Written by experts in the field, Surgical Procedures on the Cirrhotic Patient is a valuable, multidisciplinary resource for clinicians who treat the cirrhotic patient. With a Foreword by Thomas E. Starzl, the father of liver transplantation.

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.

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.

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.

Hepatocytes account for approximately 80% of the liver mass and play a significant role in various aspects of liver physiopathology, exhibiting unrivaled complexity and diversity of functions. In Hepatocytes: Methods and Protocols, expert researchers provide the reader with methods, technical protocols, and review chapters focusing on selected areas of hepatocyte biology including isolation, culture, differentiation and stem cells, and hepatocyte use in clinical, basic, and applied research. With a specific emphasis on human hepatocytes, the volume presents chapters covering subjects including hepatocyte culture models, cryopreservation methods, differentiation assessment, liver ontogenesis, production of hepatocytes from stem cells, drug/xenobiotic metabolism, toxicity and transport, bile acid and blood coagulation factor production, infection by HBV and HCV, humanized animals, biortificial liver devices, hepatocyte transplantation. As a volume in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series, protocol chapters include brief introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and cutting-edge, Hepatocytes: Methods and Protocols will be useful to all those who are currently using or planning to use human, or animal, hepatocytes to investigate any aspect of liver physiopathology or who are interested in liver development or liver stem cells and liver biotherapy.

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.

Hepatitis C Virus and Liver Transplantation is designed to provide a comprehensive and state-of-the-art overview of the major issues specific to the field of liver transplantation and hepatitis C virus infection. The sections of the book have been structured to review the overall scope of issues of recurrent hepatitis C in different complex settings, including retransplantation, HIV-coinfected patients or in the setting of suboptimal graft donors. This book provides up-to-date information on the application of new therapies to the field of liver transplantation. It provides the most recent data on their efficacy, the management of side effects, as well as the potential interactions and specific problems associated with their use in the transplant setting. Finally, an appraisal of the risks and benefits of using organs from anti-HCV positive donors is presented. This book provides concise and actual materials for several important topics that are simply not adequately covered by current available literature. Hepatitis C Virus and Liver Transplantation will provide a unique and valuable resource in the field of liver transplantation and will be of great value to Hepatologists, Transplant and Abdominal Surgeons, Oncologists, as well as Fellows and Residents training in these fields.

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.

Acute cholecystitis is a pathological entity of inflammatory origin, with a high prevalence worldwide. The term cholecystitis defines an inflammation of the gallbladder. Although most people with gallstones do not have symptoms and will not go on to develop cholecystitis, cholecystitis occurs most commonly due to blockage of the cystic duct with gallstones (cholelithiasis). In this book, Chapter One provides a contemporary review of acute cholecystitis (AC). Chapter Two examines the diagnosis and treatment options for AC. Chapter Three focuses on the diagnostic work-up of patients with AC. Chapter Four discusses early and delayed cholecystectomy as a treatment for AC. Chapter Five examines the current literature as it pertains to the management of patients who present with Grade II (moderate) acute cholecystitis, specifically looking at the timing of operation and the appropriateness of drainage procedures. Chapter Six reviews cholecystitis in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Leading researchers are specially invited to provide a complete understanding of a key topic within the multidisciplinary fields of physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology. In a form immediately useful to scientists, this periodical aims to filter, highlight and review the latest developments in these rapidly advancing fields.

This book is a concise and up-to-date review of the clinical features, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with hepatitis C. Busy health care professionals who want a quick review of hepatitis C and new developments in treatment for hepatitis C will benefit from this succinct guide. Hepatitis C virus primarily infects liver cells and can lead to chronic damage to the liver. Patients with hepatitis C infection often develop liver sequelae such as fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma if left untreated. It is estimated that 150 million people worldwide are infected with hepatitis C virus, and if eradication is to be achieved it is imperative to diagnose and treat such individuals.

This book provides a comprehensive, state-of-the art review of intestinal polyposis syndromes. The book reviews the most up-to-date clinical, management, and genetic information regarding the continually evolving colorectal condition that manifests as a polyposis condition. It provides a reference for clinicians and researchers in understanding the complexity of intestinal polyposis and the importance of utilizing multiple modalities for the diagnosis, management and control of these conditions. It also provides an overview of what should alert a care provider to the possibility of a polyposis syndrome. Written by experts in their fields, Intestinal Polyposis Syndromes: Diagnosis and Management is a valuable resource for physicians and researchers who deal with the challenges of diagnosing and managing colorectal cancer and intestinal polyposis syndromes.

Praise for Hemo-Dynamics: "This book provides an elegant and intuitive derivation of the fundamental mathematics underlying fluid flow, and then applies these in a straightforward way to pulsatile blood flow in all its complexity. One of the triumphs of the book is that Zamir succeeds in making essential concepts such as the Navier-Stokes equations completely accessible to any reader with a knowledge of basic calculus. The author succeeds in conveying both the beauty of his subject matter, and his passion for the elegance and intricacies of fluid flow more generally." Lindi Wahl, PhD, Professor of Applied Mathematics, The University of Western Ontario "Incredible, the figures alone are to die for... At first glance "Hemo-Dynamics" seems like a deep engineering and modeling dive into the mechanical properties of the cardiovascular system, blood, and how they interact to generate flow and pressure. However, the text is laid out in a stepwise manner and I was especially impressed in the way that the key conceptual figures illustrate the essential concepts. In keeping with the philosophical underpinnings of engineering, Professor Zamir has also constructed his book so that the format, text, equations and the figures are self-reinforcing. This isa book that will be of great use to those who seek to understand the cardiovascular system from a mechanical and m odeling perspective." Michael J. Joyner, MD, Professor of Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN

Hepatic Encephalopathy and Nitrogen Metabolism is an interdisciplinary symposium bringing together basic science and clinical applications. It contains up-to-date research findings at the highest scientific level.

This volume presents a concise yet comprehensive overview on all facets concerning the complications of cirrhosis. Structured in three sections, the book reviews the natural history of cirrhosis, the diagnostic and predictive tools available to assess the disease, complications, and treatment options such as liver assist devices and transplantation. Topical concerns in the management of patients with cirrhosis are also addressed, including issues pertaining to the delivery of quality care in this patient population. Written by experts in their fields, Complications of Cirrhosis: Evaluation and Management serves as a valuable resource for practitioners and physicians-in-training on the subject of cirrhosis.