GI & Endoscopy

Researchers supported by the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering are developing virtual training and evaluation tools for colorectal surgeons. The team is working closely with Troy, N.Y.-based Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Here are three updates on gastroenterology and industry-relevant companies to note:

Tamir Ben-Menachem, MD, is Berkeley Heights, N.J.-based Summit Medical Group 's gastroenterology department chairman.

Researchers examined how laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair followed by Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication impacted gastroesophageal reflux disease patients' clinical outcomes in a study published in the Journal of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons.  

Florence, S.C.-based McLeod Digestive Health Center physicians began performing endoscopic full thickness resections to remove large polyps and early tumors in the colon.

The International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus named Kansas City-based University of Kansas Cancer Center gastroenterologist Prateek Sharma, MD as its new president. Four insights:

Bloomington, Minn.-based HealthPartners was one of two organizations to receive CMS' Health Equity Award.

Stacie M. Jones, MD, is the gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition interim chief at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Arkansas Children's Hospital, both located in Little Rock.

Advanced Medical Solutions Group acquired surgical sealant company Sealantis.

John T. Maple, DO, was the first physician to use CSA Medical's truFreeze Spray Cryotherapy to treat two patients in Oklahoma.