Gastroenterology

Researchers have been studying the effect that antibiotics have on the bacteria that are found in the intestinal tract, and have found that "antibiotics can cause moderate to wide-ranging changes in the ranks of these helpful guardians in the gut."

The American Gastroenterological Association has released its 2009 legislative forecast, which was written to help physicians "better navigate recent issues that have been addressed and prepare for coming changes and debates."

The technology used to cool central processing units in computers may have found a new role—in the diagnosis of acid-related stomach disorders.

Ever since the Surgeon General warned of the dangers associated with smoking nearly 50 years ago, special interest groups have pressed Congress to grant the FDA authority to regulate or ban tobacco products.

The identification of tissue afflicted with Barrett's Esophagus by researchers from Canadian Light Source and the University of Saskatchewan may lead to improved methods for diagnosing the condition.

A new study has found that monoclonal antibodies may be an effective new drug for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.

Hopefully, as healthcare providers, we can recognize that our responsibility extends beyond the inpatient setting, and work together to open communication to ensure smooth transitions of care.

According to the result from a recent Beth Israel Deaconess study, glutamine may be effective in "offsetting gastric damage caused by [Helicobacter pylori] H. pylori infection."

A recently completed Phase II proof-of-concept trial demonstrated that patients with rheumatoid arthritis given methotrexate were more likely to report an improvement in signs and symptoms than those given a placebo.

Pundits, analysts, and other industry observers have been weighing in with their thoughts on what the President's proposals will call for, what effect they may have on the nation's healthcare system, their chances of being enacted, and how we're going to pay for it all.

Scientists in Germany have discovered which bacteria colonize and form biofilms in the stents that are put in to clear bile ducts blocked as a result of cancer.

You may remember the story of Harvard Medical School grad and CIO of CareGroup John Halamka who was an huge advocate of using implantable radio-frequency identification chips to give patients the option of being a walking EMR. Halamka actually had one of these chips implanted in his arm in late 2004, and the PR frenzy began.

A new study has found that patients who suffer from IBS report, on average, a 50% quality of life score.

A study has found that �women with a history of hypothyroidism face a significantly higher risk of developing liver cancer.�

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence and the National Collaborating Centre for Women's and Children's Health have published guidelines for treating diarrhea and vomiting due to gastroenteritis in children younger than age five years.

Check out photos taken at last week's Health 2.0 Conference held in Boston.

Constipation is a very prevalent problem, affecting up to 20% of the US population.

This debate featured Don Kemper, CEO of Healthwise, and Matthew Holt, co-founder of Health 2.0, LLC, discussing information therapy and Health 2.0, and why they thought one was better than the other.

It's the patient's job to manage his or her care, while the doctor's job is to provide the necessary tools and treatment.

Researchers have discovered that laparoscopic surgery may be a safer and equally beneficial alternative to the traditional route of "open" surgery for the treatment of stomach cancer.

Personal health records, designed to help patients keep all of their medical records in one place and make it easier for doctors to access patient files, may actually lead to inaccurate information and, as a result, improper treatment, some doctors fear.

A new study has found that screening tests for colorectal cancer have mostly focused on older, sicker patients for years, but future tests should be directed more toward younger, healthier patients.

Researchers in Japan have identified predictive factors for enteral nutrition problems following percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy.

The accusation that Scott Reuben, MD, fabricated results in more than 20 papers published in peer-reviewed journals has been widely reported in the last three weeks.

Scientists in Japan have developed a new yogurt that includes an antibody that significantly reduced levels of ulcer-producing bacteria in study participants.

The risk of developing Barrett’s Esophagus can be lowered by more than 50% with the consumption of one glass of wine a day, according to the results of a new study.

Researchers are evaluating a magnetic device that may provide a long-term solution for patients with GERD.

Medicare might not cover non-invasive, CT-based colonoscopies that screen for colorectal cancer.

Stem cell transplants may be a new, revolutionary way to treat Crohn's disease.

This is an exciting time to be in the endoscopy center business. Although there are many pressures on the industry, there are also some terrific opportunities to be gained by the consistent focus in a few key areas.