GI & Endoscopy

Here are the most popular gastroenterology stories for the week of Dec. 13 through Dec. 19:

Providence, R.I.-based University Gastroenterology added Elizabeth Decker, DO, to its staff.

A study published in Science Translational Medicine examined gut microbiota composition in irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease patients.

Modernizing Medicine incorporated a suite of patient communication tools into its practice management software to reduce patient no-shows and improve compliance.

A study published in Gut examined whether annual fecal immunochemical testing could reduce reliance on surveillance colonoscopy.

A Colorado endoscopy clinic nurse pleaded guilty to stealing controlled substances from the center after having admitted to similar allegations with her previous employer, according to a Fox 21 report.

Here are three updates on gastroenterology companies from the past week:

Frank Friedenberg, MD, is the gastroenterology section chief at Philadelphia-based Temple University's Lewis Katz School of Medicine.

Chronic idiopathic constipation sufferers may soon find relief with the FDA approval of Shire's prucalopride.

Apollo Endosurgery sold its Lap-Band gastric banding device to ReShape Lifesciences for $17 million and acquired ReShape's intragastric balloon device, MassDevice reports.