Introduction Obesity is the pandemic of the 21st century and is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Management of obesity depends on body mass index (BMI) and the presence of comorbidities, including heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, osteoarthritis, and sleep…
Introduction Using the gut to provide nutritional therapy by the enteral route plays a pivotal role in patient outcome in the critical care setting. Failure to use the gut for nutrition results in the gut becoming a proinflammatory organ, and…
Introduction The diagnosis and management of luminal gastrointestinal (GI) tract infections has been an essential component of the practice of gastroenterology since the birth of the subspecialty. The emergence of endoscopy with mucosal biopsy as a safe and accurate diagnostic…
Introduction Colonic strictures are encountered with relative frequency in gastroenterology and colorectal surgery practices. The causes of these strictures are quite varied but the most common etiologies in adults include malignancy, diverticular disease, ischemic injury, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease),…
Introduction Patients with long-standing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at an increased risk for development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Risk factors for the development of CRC in ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's colitis include young age of disease onset, longer…
Introduction Over the past several decades, endoscopy has become an integral tool for diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), and staging disease activity. Both CD and UC are characterized by the presence of…
Introduction Related to the central role of colonoscopy within colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and surveillance, most gastroenterologists spend the majority of their time in the colon looking for and removing neoplastic polyps in an effort to reduce the risk of…
Introduction Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a global public health threat. The lifetime risks of an individual developing or dying from CRC are approximately 5% and 2.5%, respectively; worldwide, there are an estimated 1.4 million new cases and 700,000 deaths annually.…
Introduction Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO) is a disorder characterized by massive dilation of the colon in the absence of mechanical obstruction. This severe motility disturbance, also known as Ogilvie's syndrome, usually develops in hospitalized patients, and is associated with various…
Introduction Duodenal polyps are uncommon. They can be found in 0.3%–4.6% of patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and are usually an incidental finding. Adenomas account for approximately 7% of all duodenal polyps. They are most commonly found in the second…