Reflux Esophagitis Due To Immune Reaction, Not Acute Acid Burn

Contrary to current thinking, a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) might not develop as a direct result of acidic digestive juices burning the esophagus, UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers have found in an animal study.

Cancer Preventive Effect For Statins Indicated By Study

The commonly used prescription statin drugs may have a protective effect in the prevention of liver cancer and lead to a reduction in the need for gallbladder removals, according to two studies published in Gastroenterology. As millions of Americans use statins each day to help lower their cholesterol and risk of heart disease, researchers are [...]

Drinking one glass of wine a day may lower risk of Barrett’s esophagus

Drinking one glass of wine a day may lower the risk of Barrett’s Esophagus by 56 percent, according to a new study by the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in the March issue of Gastroenterology.

Asking The Right Questions Might Lead To Better Colonoscopy

Patients need to be informed and not just pick a doctor out of the phone book or off the Internet when considering getting a colonoscopy. Recent research has shown that an inexperienced doctor can lead to less than perfect outcomes.

Newly Discovered Esophagus Stem Cells Grow Into Transplantable Tissue

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered stem cells in the esophagus of mice that were able to grow into tissue-like structures and when placed into immune-deficient mice were able to form parts of an esophagus lining. The investigators report their findings online this month in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.