Trends In Gastroenterology And Hepatology

Recent advances in gastroenterology and hepatology as well as new findings in biliary and pancreatic diseases are presented in the proceedings of the 86th annual congress of the Japanese Society of Gastroenterology. From the hundreds of papers delivered at the congress, 70 were selected for inclusion here. Opening with special lectures on gastroenterology in the new millennium, ulcerative colitis-pathophysiology and therapy, and life style-related diseases and gastroenterology, the volume is divided into sections reflecting the major concerns of researchers in the science of digestive diseases in Japan today: apoptosis in digestive organs, nitric oxide, transcription factors in digestive organs, antigen-presenting cells, pathology of inflammatory bowel disease, NSAID-induced gastric lesions, microcirculation in digestive diseases, hepatic regeneration, and hepatic fibrosis.

The branch of medicine concerned with the functioning of the digestive system along with the disorders affecting it, is known as gastroenterology. Hepatology is concerned with the functioning of the liver, pancreas, gallbladder and biliary tree. It studies the diseases and disorders related to them. Hepatology and gastroenterology are closely related fields of medicine. Colonoscopy, endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound, liver biopsy are some of the common diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed by gastroenterologists. This book unfolds the innovative aspects of gastroenterology, which will be crucial for the progress of this field in the future. It also unravels the recent studies in the field of hepatology. This book is a vital tool for all researching or studying gastroenterology and hepatology as it gives incredible insights into emerging trends.

This volume comprises a series of original articles, updates and reviews on relevant topics in hepatology which were presented at a meeting in Freiburg im Breisgau to honour the 60th anniversary of Dr. Herbert Falk. Since 1967, Dr. Falk and the Falk Foundation have generously sponsored more than 40 congresses and symposia on liver diseases, held mostly in Freiburg, The Black Forest or in Basel, which have become milestones in the ex change of scientific information in hepatology (see 'To Herbert Falk on his Sixtieth Birthday' in this volume). Many of these congresses and symposia have been published in the 'Falk Symposia' series by MTP Press. We asked hepatologists who took part in former Falk liver meetings to contribute to a one day symposium to celebrate Dr. Falk's anniversary. We were greatly gladdened by the spontaneous and unrestrained acceptance that we received from all sides. We wish to express our deep appreciation to all the speakers and moderators who travelled, at their own expense, from all parts of the world to Freiburg and who with their presentations, made the meeting a stimulating and refreshing event. The editors' thanks are also addressed to Mr. D. G. T. Bloomer and Mr. P. M. Lister from MTP Press for their valuable cooperation in preparing this volume for publication. This book testifies to the worldwide appreciation and gratitude held for Dr. Falk by the community of hepatologists. The Editors ix List of Contributors P. BACK K. F. A.

The Italian Group for the Study of Liver Cirrhosis began its activity in 1980 on the basis of recognition and financial support from the Italian Ministry of the University, Scientific Research and Technology, having been chosen from several other scientific programs. The group is now called the National Group for the Study of Liver Cirrhosis and Viral Hepatitis and includes more than 40 centers throughout the nation under the auspices of the universities. The primary Imtlatlve of the group, to combine experimental and clinical approaches in the study of liver pathophysiology, remains unchanged. Annual meetings in January provide the possibility of comparing experimental and clinical results in the spirit of mutual comprehension and criticism. After 15 years and 6 volumes (published biannually), the actual improvement of Italian research in liver pathophysiology is evident. In fact, in order to let other researchers know what has been achieved we chose to publish the 7th volume, in spite of the economic difficulties at hand. We have gathered specific experiences of all the centers included in the national program. Each group was required to present an update in its own field of research, rather than specific or recently obtained results, which could have been reported only in relationship with other data already published by others. Like the 6th edition in our series, this volume affirms the specific competence of all the participants and summarizes the most important updates in liver pathophysiology.

The introduction of ultrasound has radically altered the clinical approach to patients with digestive diseases as it is now possible to observe the abdominal organs rapidly and noninvasively. This publication thoroughly covers the main applications of ultrasound in gastroenterology, with particular reference to the most recent progress in the field. The articles, contributed by leading international experts, are organized into three sections. The first section of the book focuses on the applications of transabdominal and intraoperative ultrasound in the diagnosis of diseases of the liver and pancreas. A further section deals with interventional ultrasound where the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma by alcoholization or laser is one of the topics of interest. Recent applications of ultrasound are discussed in the final section: the study of the abdominal vessels with duplex and color Doppler receives extensive coverage and other contributions consider new developments in endoscopic ultrasound and contrast agents. Attention is also given to the use of ultrasound in patients with HIV and AIDS. Given ultrasound's importance today, this book is essential reading for radiologists, gastroenterologists, internists and surgeons.

As aging trends in the United States and Europe in particular are strongly suggestive of increasingly older society, it would be prudent for health care providers to better prepare for such changes. By including physiology, disease, nutrition, pharmacology, pathology, radiology and other relevant associated topics, Geriatric Gastroenterology fills the void in the literature for a volume devoted specifically to gastrointestinal illness in the elderly. This unique volume includes provision of training for current and future generations of physicians to deal with the health problems of older adults. It will also serve as a comprehensive guide to practicing physicians for ease of reference. Relevant to the geriatric age group, the volume covers epidemiology, physiology of aging, gastrointestinal physiology, pharmacology, radiology, pathology, motility disorders, luminal disorders, hepato-biliary disease, systemic manifestations, neoplastic disorders, gastrointestinal bleeding, cancer and medication related interactions and adverse events, all extremely common in older adults; these are often hard to evaluate and judge, especially considering the complex aging physiology. All have become important components of modern medicine. Special emphasis is be given to nutrition and related disorders. Capsule endoscopy and its utility in the geriatric population is also covered. Presented in simple, easy to read style, the volume includes numerous tables, figures and key points enabling ease of understanding. Chapters on imaging and pathology are profusely illustrated. All chapters are written by specialists and include up to date scientific information. Geriatric Gastroenterology is of great utility to residents in internal medicine, fellows in gastroenterology and geriatric medicine as well as gastroenterologists, geriatricians and practicing physicians including primary care physicians caring for older adults.