In recent years functional gastrointestinal disorders have attracted much interest. These disorders are extremely common. They are characterized by symptoms and the lack of structural lesions that can be identified with clinically available routine diagnostic tests. Several functional abnormalities are now believed to play a role in the development of the symptoms. This book summarizes the presentations at the International Falk Symposium No. 99 `Functional Dyspepsia and Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Concepts and Controversies' that took place on May 27-28, 1997. This symposium brought together clinical and basic researchers and clinicians to improve interdisciplinary communication. The meeting comprehensively covered basic and clinical aspects of these disorders, and it not only summarized the current knowledge, but also identified scientific questions that need to be addressed in the future.

In gastrointestinal (GI) practice, a large proportion of patients present with what are currently classified as functional GI complaints. For decades, psychological causes have been implicated in the initiation and maintenance of symptoms. In recent years, disturbances of GI function including sensory motor abnormalities have been catalogued and are now believed to play a key role in the development of symptoms. A genetic predisposition may be important. Furthermore, evidence has accumulated that GI inflammation can trigger and maintains functional disturbances. In particular, acute GI inflammation appears to play a crucial role in at least a subgroup of patients. These observations potentially have profound implications for the field, and suggest that functional GI disorders are indeed organic diseases.

The second edition of this popular pocket book gives an overview of internal medicine, and is a highly relevant study aid for senior medical students and post-graduates preparing for examinations. Clinicians as well as students will find it a very useful aide memoire, as it packs between its covers the essentials of this large subject and gives a rapid update in current diagnosis and therapeutics.

Complex material is distilled and organised in a logical and accessible way, with integration of clinical, laboratory, imaging and therapeutic information. Extensively re-written with the assistance of two new authors, the subject matter has been carefully reviewed to ensure it is accurate, up-to-date and comprehensive. An overall standard format is used, covering clinical clues, pathophysiology, diagnosis and therapeutics. Key facts are presented as skeleton lists and tables, carefully derived from medical literature and other authoritative sources. Additional material on pharmacology and best evidence is included. This little book emphasises essential areas that may well be overlooked when one is reading the major textbooks which it complements.

Readable, compact and portable, it is a straight-forward study aid for medical students, and a dependable reference for junior doctors or for established practitioners, either in the office or on the wards.

Packed with Board-focused hints, case studies and an online Board-standard MCQ test offering CME credits, this fantastic book covers every gastroenterology disease and symptom you re likely to encounter and is the perfect tool to prepare for Board exams and certification.