It has long been understood that having a family history of colorectal cancer increases an individual’s risk of developing the disease. In fact, many gastrointestinal diseases are inherited or have a genetic predisposition. In recent years, medical research has identified the specific genes responsible for some of these conditions. “There is an inherited condition called polyposis in which people develop...Read More
Clinical trials currently underway at the GI Division of Premier Medical Group have the potential to “completely change the way we look at hepatitis C,”says Dr. Peter M. Varunok, the group’s principal investigator for hepatitis studies. “There are a number of different protocols and medications that are out there being looked at,” says Dr. Varunok,...Read More
You’ll need to work with your doctor to find the best combination of medicine, diet, counseling, and support to keep flare-ups down and quality of life way up. Though their initials are close, their symptoms may initially seem similar, and they’re both chronic conditions, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) are distinctly...Read More
Often the result of GERD, this condition can be a precursor to America’s fastest growing type of cancer. A new treatment helps lower the toll. Barrett’s esophagus is a condition in which the lining of the esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach, is replaced by tissue that is similar to the...Read More
Eradication of this common bacterium, discovered in 1982, is the key to curing a wide range of chronic gastric conditions and some cancers. The 2005 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to a pair of Australian physicians for what the prize committee described as a “remarkable and unexpected discovery.” Working together, Drs. Robin...Read More
In March, 2011, the FDA provided good news for millions of Americans. After reviewing data from years of trials, the agency approved marketing of the InterStim® Therapy System, a surgically implanted device used to help a patient reduce the number of bowel accidents. It’s not something that people like to talk about, even though an...Read More
