Medscape Gastroenterology Headlines

Robotic Right Colectomy: Brief History and Technique

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:24:35 EST

Surgery, unlike Medicine, retains its link with ancient traditions.

Common Myths About Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:36:11 EST

In this installment of the series GI Common Concerns -- Computer Consult, David A. Johnson, MD, discusses some of the myths surrounding GERD and determines if they are supported or busted.

Helicobacter Pylori Promotes Hepatic Fibrosis in the Animal Model

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST

H. pylori infection is common in patients with chronic liver diseases, including cirrhosis. What is its effect on the progression of hepatic fibrosis?

Frequency and Severity of Adverse Effects of Iodinated and Gadolinium Contrast Materials: Retrospective Review of 456,930 Doses

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST

Both iodinated and gadolinium contrast agents are associated with a very low rate of adverse effects, and most adverse effects can be managed in the radiology department.

Associations Among Feeding Behaviors During Infancy and Child Illness at Two Years

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST

This study provides more evidence that breast feeding has lasting health benefits for infants.

Serum HCV RNA Levels and HCV Genotype Do Not Affect Insulin Resistance in Nondiabetic Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C: A Multicentre Study

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST

This study investigated the viral, metabolic, and histologic predictors of insulin resistance (IR) in patients with chronic HCV.

NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology Colorectal Cancer Screening

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:37:45 EST

Released in October 2009, the latest update to the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology(TM)

Norovirus Outbreaks on Three College Campuses -- California, Michigan, and Wisconsin, 2008

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST

Norovirus outbreaks on colleges in California, Michigan, and Wisconsin in 2008 highlight the potential for widespread infection and rapid transmission in this setting.

Dietary Supplement May Protect Against Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Toxicity

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:13:16 EST

Genomic techniques have identified an enzyme that converts common food substance into glutathione, a molecule that binds toxic metabolites of acetaminophen.

Sen Grassley Questions Top Medical Schools About Ghostwriting

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:48:39 EST

As part of his mission to see more financial transparency in medicine, Sen Grassley has asked eight top US medical schools about their policies on ghostwriting.

Ecallantide Effective for Acute Episodes of Hereditary Angioedema

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:40:20 EST

The investigational plasma kallikrein inhibitor ecallantide achieves rapid and sustained symptom relief from acute episodes of hereditary angioedema.

House Passes Medicare SGR Fix

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:11:22 EST

The House passed a bill that would rewrite the controversial sustainable growth rate formula and eliminate a 21.2% Medicare pay cut for physicians scheduled for 2010.

Where Next for The Endoscope?

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:59:03 EST

The authors trace the origins and development of endoscopic technology, from "resectoscope" to modern devices for virtual and capsule endoscopy.

Primary Amelanotic Malignant Melanoma of the Esophagus

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:47:38 EST

A case of primary amelanotic malignant melanoma of the esophagus that presented as an esophageal mass in a 66-year-old woman is discussed.

Promising New Cancer Drugs in the Pipeline

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:38:33 EST

A number of novel and promising cancer therapies are currently in the pipeline, and researchers might be discovering new uses for older drugs.

Helicobacter pylori: Diagnosis and Treatment

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST

This article discusses the current diagnostic methods in H pylori treatment and their clinical implications, as well as established and novel treatment strategies.

Goal-directed Haemodynamic Therapy and Gastrointestinal Complications in Major Surgery: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST

Investigators performed a meta-analysis to examine the effects of goal-directed hemodynamic therapy on postoperative gastrointestinal and hepatic complications.

New Senate Healthcare Reform Bill Features Public Option With Opt-Out

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:03:45 EST

The Senate bill would cost $849 billion through 2019, but it would ultimately shave $127 billion off the federal deficit while reducing the number of uninsured by 31 million people.

Ceiling Effect Noted With Esomeprazole Dosing for GERD

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:26:22 EST

Increasing the dosage of esomeprazole does not increase efficacy after a certain point in the treatment of gastrointestinal reflux disease; a ceiling effect is seen with the proton pump inhibitor.

Probiotics Alleviate Symptoms of Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:18:02 EST

As many as 80% of patients with cirrhosis have some evidence of hepatic encephalopathy; probiotic therapy is associated with a significant reduction in serum ammonia levels.