Fecal Incontinence
Fecal Incontinence (Am J Gastroenterol 2004;99:1585-04) DEFINITION: Continuous or recurrent uncontrolled passage of fecal material (>10 mL) for at least one month in an individual older than 3 or 4…
Diverticulosis & Diverticulitis
Diverticulosis & Diverticulitis (Am J Gastroenterol 1999;94:3110-21) DIVERTICULOSIS Definition: Acquired herniations of mucosa and submucosa through the colonic wall Epidemiology: Affects 5-15% of persons over the age of 45 and…
Diarrheal Infections
Diarrheal Infections (Am J Gastroenterol 1997;1962-75) Infectious Diarrhea: Worldwide 1 billion cases/year and death rates are second only to cardiovascular disease! Note: normally the stool does not have any PMNs…
Diarrhea/Malassimilation
Diarrhea/Malassimilation (Gastroenterology 1999;116:1461-63 & 1464-84) DEFINITION: Stool output more than 200 g/day or increased frequency & decreased consistency of stool (can be altered by diet, so these are imperfect criteria…
Constipation
Constipation (Gastroenterology 2006;130:1480-91. N Engl J Med 2003;349:1360-68. Gastroenterology 2000;119: 1761-78) DEFINITION: Historically less than 2-3 bowel movements/week; Excessive difficulty straining at defecation Rome III for functional constipation: see below…
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal Cancer (Gastroenterology 2006;130:1872-85. N Engl J Med 2006;355:2533-41. Gastrointest Endosc 2006;63:546-57. Gastroenterology 2003;124:544-60 & 2000;118:1233-34 & 1235-57. Am J Gastroenterol 2000;95:3053-63) DEFINITION: Colorectal cancer (CRC) includes both colon (Sporadic…
Celiac & Tropical Sprue
Celiac & Tropical Sprue (Gastroenterology 2006;131:1977-80 & 2001;120:1526-40) CELIAC SPRUE Definition: Intestinal reaction to alpha-gliadin in gluten » loss of villi & absorptive area Gluten sensitive enteropathy, multisystem disease Epidemiology:…
Carcinoid Tumors (Mid-Gut)
Carcinoid Tumors (Mid-Gut) DEFINITION: Carcinoids arise from enterochromaffin cells of the gastrointestinal tract See also Bowel- GI Endocrine Tumors (Chapter 2.16) The term enterochromaffin refers to the ability to stain…
Clostridium Difficile
Clostridium Difficile (Gastroenterology 2006;130:1311-16. Am J Gastroenterol 1997;92:739-50) DEFINITION: Infectious diarrhea with Clostridium Difficile EPIDEMIOLOGY: 20-30% of persons who take antibiotics develop diarrhea C. difficile frequency is unknown, estimated at…
Bacterial Overgrowth
Bacterial Overgrowth DEFINITION: Increased number of bacteria in areas of the GI tract that usually do not provide the environment for colonization/proliferation of bacteria EPIDEMIOLOGY: Depends on cause; See Factors…
