Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are one of the most prescribed drugs in the world1. It is available both over the counter, and in higher strength prescriptions, proving effective at treating GERD, Helicobacter Pylori, dyspepsia and peptic ulcer disease (PUD)2. PPIs are often used long-term given the recurrent nature of the symptoms. Given this, there has been concern over the ... Continue Reading
Navigating Colorectal Cancer Screening
In 2023, an estimated 153,020 individuals will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, underscoring the urgency of effective screening and prevention. Early detection through the removal of polyps remains the linchpin for preventing colorectal cancer. While colonoscopy remains the top choice for polyp removal, various alternatives exist, such as stool, blood, and imaging tests. ... Continue Reading
Decoding the Rise of Fatty Liver
The ubiquity of "hepatic steatosis" and the growing mentions of "non-alcoholic fatty liver disease" (NAFLD) are impossible to ignore in the medical landscape. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and steatohepatitis (MASH) are on the global rise, mirroring the surge in obesity and metabolic risk factors. While it might be tempting to downplay the ... Continue Reading
Making Sense: Surgical Options for GERD
By Srinivasa Gorjala, MD, FACS
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your esophagus. Many people experience acid reflux from time to time. However, when acid reflux happens repeatedly, it can cause GERD. Most people are able to manage the ... Continue Reading
A New Era for Esophageal Resection
By Shady M. Eldaif, MD
“Esophagectomy” has long been associated with negative connotations. Physicians’ natural instinct to protect their patients from difficult treatments may complicate the discussion of potentially curative surgery for esophageal disorders, especially in the setting of patient's preconceived notions about recovery from surgery of this magnitude. However, a clear increase in the ... Continue Reading
Multidisciplinary Management of Gastric Neoplasms
Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting are frequent complaints in the general population, triggering a staggering number of primary care and emergency room visits each year in the United States. Benign causes will underlie the vast majority of cases, but rarely, gastric neoplasms such as gastric adenocarcinoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumors or gastric neuroendocrine tumors will ... Continue Reading
Liver and Pancreas Surgery
Surgery of the liver and pancreas has progressed tremendously in recent years. Advances in nonsurgical treatments are paralleled and in some cases outpaced, by surgical advances to problems impacting the hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) tract, leading to growth in the population of patients with (benign and malignant) diseases of the liver and pancreas that benefit from ... Continue Reading
General Considerations of Advanced Treatment for Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
By Nitin Gupta, MD
Recent years have seen advancement in treatment options for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). New agents, with new mechanisms of action, are being tested via clinical trials along with new availability for routine clinical use. From a clinical standpoint, the myriad of treatment options make this an exciting time to practice medicine. We will discuss the different classes of ... Continue Reading
Super Poopers to the Rescue
By Rahul Nayak, MD, MBA
How fecal microbiota transplants help re-establish a healthy gut microbiome There is a rapidly growing awareness – in both the medical practice and the general population – of the importance of the gut microbiome and its potential impact on total body health. Much of this interest is focused on re-establishing a healthy gut microbiome through various therapies, including ... Continue Reading
Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication
By Michael Frist, M.D.
An innovative incisionless surgical solution for patients with chronic GERD Gastroesophageal Relfux Disease (GERD) effects between 10 percent and 20 percent of Americans. Symptoms vary from classic heartburn and regurgitation to chronic cough, chest pain, hoarseness and even asthma. Complications of GERD include esophagitis, esophageal stricture, Barrett’s Esophagus and ... Continue Reading
