The opinion magazine of the American Gastroenterological Association
This is half of a two-part debate — read the opposing argument. Even though this dialogue is constructed as a point–counterpoint, the reader will find that Dr. Shah and I have more in common than in conflict. First, we agree that severe alcoholic hepatitis is a terrible disease for which the currently available treatments are […]
This is half of a two-part debate — read the opposing argument. Innovation requires rigorous vetting for successful and sustained implementation. Such is the case for liver transplantation for alcoholic hepatitis. The seminal paper by Mathurin et al in 2011 stimulated debate regarding liver transplantation for patients with acute alcoholic hepatitis.1 This study showed that […]
The AGA Community is a member-only online forum where you can connect with GIs from around the world. In recent years, it has become a steadfast sounding board for physicians to gain insight into their difficult patient scenarios. AGA members have reached out to their colleagues to determine best practices for therapies, diagnoses and disease-management options […]
AGA’s 2018 Presidential Plenary session was packed, and excitement in the room was palpable! On the stage sat Sheila Crowe, our outgoing president, with David Lieberman, our incoming president. Our new logo was proudly and prominently displayed. In addition to expert presentations on eosinophilic esophagitis, colon cancer and inflammatory bowel disease, several abstracts were highlighted. […]
The obesity epidemic in the U.S. is no longer a new problem; however, despite continued emphasis on disease burden, more than two-thirds of Americans are considered overweight or obese.1 Gastroenterologists are uniquely positioned to take the lead in managing the disease considering their extensive training in the pathophysiology of the digestive tract, management of common […]
Although there is a downward trend of patients with Crohn’s disease undergoing surgical management, surgery remains an important treatment option for Crohn’s disease. In fact, no guidelines or specific evidence base exists that directs the optimal timing of surgery for Crohn’s disease. It is the experience of the gastroenterologist that guides him or her on […]
In the hospital setting, upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding remains the most common reason for consulting a gastroenterologist. The care of patients with upper GI bleeding has recently changed, including the approach to initial management, timing of endoscopy, use of blood products, and available techniques for endoscopic therapy. I am going to provide an overview of […]
The term autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is used for two rare, steroid-responsive pancreatitides that present most commonly with a pancreatic mass and occasionally with acute pancreatitis. They are the only pancreatic diseases with a potential cure through effective medical therapies. Although their increased recognition has led to the avoidance of unnecessary surgery in numerous patients, it […]
Significant advances in antiviral therapy with direct acting antivirals (DAAs) have transformed hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment over the past four years (Table). We have achieved nearly every characteristic of an ideal regimen: pangenotypic, excellent safety and tolerability, high sustained virologic response (SVR), low pill burden, simplified dosing schedule, short treatment duration, and high genetic […]
This is half of a two-part debate — read the opposing argument. Even though this dialogue is constructed as a point–counterpoint, the reader will find that Dr. Shah and I have more in common than in conflict. First, we agree that severe alcoholic hepatitis is a terrible disease for which the currently available treatments are […]
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