GI & Endoscopy

Although the use of colonoscopy has prevented a high number of colorectal cancer deaths, researchers suggest many more deaths could be prevented through more widespread use of the screening modality, according to an article published in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

Agonists for pregnane X receptor can prevent cholesterol gallstone disease in mice, according to a study published in Gastroenterology.  

In light of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, notable individuals are joining together in the fight against colorectal cancer.

Researchers found a conversion factor could be utilized to accurately estimate the adenoma detection rate from the polyp detection rate, according to a study published in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

In a joint letter, the presidents of the American College of Gastroenterology and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy responded critically to a New York Times "letter to the editor" that suggested flexible sigmoidoscopy was just as effective as colonoscopy.

The American College of Gastroenterology has responded with concern to recent CMS estimates that only 50 percent of Medicare beneficiaries have received some sort of colorectal cancer screening.

Computed tomography volumetry measures correlated well with diabetes mellitus status in patients with pancreatic disease, according to a study published in Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery.

Although colonoscopy is the preferred method of screening for colorectal cancer, physicians should discuss all screening options with their patients, and female patients should be screened using the method that they are most comfortable with and most likely to complete,…

Brennan M.R. Spiegel, MD, associate professor of medicine at UCLA, says although colonoscopy is the only colorectal cancer screening test that allows physicians to identify and remove polyps from the entire colon, the screening modality is still an "imperfect test."

Data from a recent study suggests patients with gallstones are at higher risk of mortality, particularly from cardiovascular disease and cancer, than patients without gallstones, according to an abstract published in Gastroenterology.