WATERLOO, IA – [4/24/2025] – The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), a leading gastrointestinal medical society, has recently granted a three-year recognition for quality and safety to Cedar Valley Digestive Health Center (CVDH) of Waterloo as part of its program specifically dedicated to promoting quality in endoscopy in all settings where it is practiced….
On this installment of Coffee with Dr. Ravi, Dr. Ravi talks about hemorrhoids, their classifications, how they’re treated and more. If you have a topic you would like Dr. Ravi to cover in his next video, please leave it in the comments below. PLEASE NOTE: This video may contain graphic content pertaining to hemorrhoids. Viewer…
On the 82nd installment of Coffee with Ravi, Dr. Ravi discusses a topic that many people think about during the New Year – how to lose weight. He discusses medical and non-medical options on tackling losing weight in a healthy way. If you have any suggestions on topics for Dr. Ravi’s next video, please leave…
On the 81st installment of Coffee with Ravi, Dr. Ravi is joined by Dr. Sial. Together, they talk about pancreatic cancer, risk factors, symptoms and more. If you have any suggestions on topics for Dr. Ravi’s next video, please leave them in the comments below!
On the 80th installment of Coffee with Dr. Ravi, Dr. Ravi talks about nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, the common causes and how it is diagnosed at Cedar Valley Digestive Health Center. If you have any suggestions on topics for Dr. Ravi’s next video, please leave them in the comments below! Below are slides from…
On the 79th installment of Coffee with Dr. Ravi, Dr. Ravi is joined by Richard A. Manfready, MD, AM, FACP. Together, they go over the Gut-Brain Axis and explain the connection between the digestive system and the central nervous system. If you have any suggestions on topics for Dr. Ravi’s next video, please leave them…
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. On this installment of Coffee with Dr. Ravi, Dr. Ravi talks about screening for colon cancer in patients with an average risk. He goes over the benefits of regular screenings, risk factors, when to screen, the different types of screening tests and so much more. If have any suggestions…
On this installment of Coffee with Dr. Ravi, Dr. Ravi talks about gastric cancer, who is at risk, treatment options and more. If have any suggestions on topics for Dr. Ravi’s next video, please leave them in the comments below. Below are slides from today’s video.
On the latest installment of Coffee with Dr. Ravi, Dr. Ravi talks about acute pancreatitis and how important screening for pancreatic cancer is. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below! Below are the slides from today’s video.
On this installment of Coffee with Dr. Ravi, Dr. Ravi talks about how mental illness and the GI tract can affect each other. If you have any questions or topics you would like Dr. Ravi to cover in his next video, leave them in the comments below! Below are the slides from today’s…
On this installment of Coffee with Dr. Ravi, Dr. Ravi explains everything you need to know about gallstones such as the types of gallstones, who is most likely to be affected, gallstone disease and the treatments. If you have any questions or topics you would like Dr. Ravi to discuss, please leave them in the…
On this installment of Coffee with Dr. Ravi, Dr. Ravi talks about two liver diseases, PBC and PSC. He explains what each disease does to your body, the symptoms of the diseases and how they are treated. If you or a loved one is struggling with liver disease, schedule an appointment at CedarValleyGI.com. If you…
On the first Coffee with Dr. Ravi of 2023, Dr. Ravi talks about when you should worry about your stool color. He breaks down the colors stool can be, why it is that color and what the consistency can tell you about what is happening inside your body. If you have any questions or topics…
On this installment of Coffee with Dr. Ravi, Dr. Ravi discusses what liver cirrhosis is, what causes it and how it is treated at Cedar Valley Digestive Health Center. If you have any questions or topics you would like us to discuss, leave them in the comments below! Below are the slides from today’s video.
On this installment of Coffee with Dr. Ravi, Dr. Ravi talks about H-pylori Infections and how they are treated at Cedar Valley Digestive Health Center. If you have any questions or have ideas for future topics, leave them in the comments! Below are the slides from today’s video.
On this week’s Coffee with Dr. Ravi, Dr. Ravi talks about artificial intelligence and how it is used to enhance patient care. At the Cedar Valley Digestive Health Center, we keep up-to-date on the newest advanced and innovative technology so we can give you the best possible care. Let us know in the comments if…
On this installment of Coffee with Dr. Ravi, Dr. Ravi talks about the causes of anal fissures and what you can do to treat your anal fissure. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions or ideas for what we should discuss next. Below are the slides from today’s video.
After a little break, Coffee with Dr. Ravi is back! On this month’s Coffee with Dr. Ravi, Dr. Ravi discusses seven things you can do to reduce your risk of cancer. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions or ideas for what we should discuss next. Below are the slides from…
Welcome back to Coffee with Dr. Ravi! Today, we welcome special guest Dr. Kalyana Sundaram to discuss atrial fibrillation. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions or ideas for what we should discuss next. Below are the slides from today’s video.
On today’s Coffee with Dr. Ravi, we bring in special guest Daniel Glascock, MD, to discuss how COVID-19 has impacted individuals even after they recover from the initial diagnosis. Let us know in the comments below what you think and if you have any additional topics you would like us to cover. Below are the…
We are happy to announce that Dr. Kalala was selected to be an American Gastroenterology Association Fellow. The American Gastroenterology Association which is a premier gastroenterology organization honors superior professional achievement in clinical private practice with a Fellowship in the organization (American Gastroenterology Association Fellow). Fellowships are awarded to members whose accomplishments and contributions demonstrate…
On today’s Coffee with Dr. Ravi, we’re wrapping up Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month by talking about colon cancer. We’ll give an overview of colon cancer, discuss risk factors and highlight some protective factors, including screenings. Below are the slides from today’s video.
On today’s Coffee with Dr. Ravi, we invite special guest Russ Adams, MD. We will talk in-depth about both palliative care and hospice care. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for more educational content, and let us know what you thought of today’s video in the comments below. Below are the…
On this month’s Coffee with Dr. Ravi, we talk about cirrhosis. Keep watching to learn more about what cirrhosis is, its causes and common symptoms associated with it. To stay up to date with Coffee with Dr. Ravi, be sure to like Cedar Valley Digestive Health on Facebook and Twitter and subscribe to our YouTube…
On this week’s Coffee with Dr. Ravi, we welcome Pradeep Ramesh, MD. We discuss COVID therapies that work, our advice to outpatients and the Omicron variant. Below are the slides from this week’s video.
On this week’s Coffee with Dr. Ravi, we’re covering GI bleeding. We’ll talk about how to identify GI bleeding, potential causes, GI bleeding assessment and more. Below are the slides from this week’s video.
This week on Coffee with Dr. Ravi, we’re discussing smoking. We’ll cover the negative effects of smoking, smoking cessation and ways to quit smoking. Below are the slides from this week’s video.
On this week’s Coffee with Dr. Ravi, we’re discussing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD. We’ll give an overview of COPD, talk about risk factors and more. If you enjoyed this video, be sure to like us on social media and let us know what you would like us to discuss in the future. Here…
On this week’s Coffee with Dr. Ravi, we’re discussing pancreatitis. We’ll cover what it is, factors associated with severe pancreatitis and how to treat it. Below are the slides from this week’s video.
On this week’s Coffee with Dr. Ravi, we’re talking about ways to improve your balance and prevent falls. We’ll cover how the body’s balance system works, conditions that can affect balance and suggestions to prevent falls. If you have any topics you’d like to see covered, leave us a comment below and remember to check out…
On this week’s Coffee with Dr. Ravi, we begin a two-part discussion on heart failure. This week, we define what heart failure is, causes of heart failure and how to prevent it. We will continue this discussion in our next video, where we’ll chat about how to treat heart failure. Below are the slides from…
This week’s Coffee with Dr. Ravi, we finish up our constipation series with a discussion on the treatment of chronic constipation. We review the evaluation method for constipation, as well as several ways to treat constipation including fiber and laxatives. Below are this week’s slides.
This week, we’re continuing our three-part series on constipation. Dr. Ravi will discuss the criteria and classification of constipation. We’ll conclude this series during our next Coffee with Dr. Ravi, so stay tuned! Here are the slides from this week’s video.
On this week’s Coffee with Dr. Ravi, we’re starting a three-part series on a common topic: constipation. In this video, we will cover the functions of the colon, the definition of constipation and causes of constipation, along with other related topics. We will continue this discussion next time! Below are this week’s slides.
On this week’s Coffee with Dr. Ravi, we’re going to talk about anal fissures. We’ll discuss what an anal fissure is, how they differ from hemorrhoids and different methods to treat anal fissures. If there are any topics you would like to see Dr. Ravi cover, let us know! Below are this week’s slides.
This week, we’re discussing what acne is and how to treat it. Acne is an inflammatory state where the skin follicle unit is inflamed and is characterized by black heads, white heads, pustules and cysts. It affects about 85% of adolescents starting in pre-adolescence. We’ll go over the causes of acne, the treatments and the…
On this week’s episode of Coffee with Dr. Ravi, we’re discussing a highly requested topic: blood thinners, otherwise known as anticoagulants. We’ll talk about different kinds of new anticoagulants, how to take the prescription safely and potential side effects, among other topics. Below are the slides from this week’s video.
On this week’s episode of Coffee with Dr. Ravi, we’re discussing Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, commonly referred to as SIBO. We’ll give an overview on what SIBO is, conditions associated with it and how to diagnose it. Below are the slides from today’s video.
On this week’s Coffee with Dr. Ravi, we’re discussing chronic hepatitis C, a viral condition identified by inflammation of the liver. We’ll go in-depth about its effects on the body, how it’s transmitted, hepatitis C treatments and more. Below are the slides from this week’s video.
On this week’s Coffee with Dr. Ravi, we’re talking about pulmonary rehab. We’ll discuss what pulmonary rehab is, tips for managing lung disease and examples of diaphragmatic breathing, a training exercise you can do to improve your breathing. Below are the slides from this week’s video.
On this week’s Coffee with Dr. Ravi, we’re giving an update regarding COVID-19. We talk about the current number of cases in the United States and Iowa and the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines against the original strain and mutations. Below are the slides from this week.
This week, we’re talking about when to get screened for colon cancer. Moaz Sial, MD, joins us to discuss the recent recommendation for screenings to begin at 45 instead of 50. Below are the slides from this week’s video.
Welcome back to Coffee with Ravi. This week, we’re talking to special guest Dr. Matthew Grady from Cedar Valley Medical Specialists’ anesthesiology department about MAC anesthesia. We’ll also discuss commonly used medications for MAC anesthesia along with safety during these procedures. Below are the slides from this week’s video.
This week, we’re talking about what causes trouble swallowing. Trouble swallowing can be caused by many issues, including esophageal stricture, cancer, infections and muscle problems. We review ways to lessen the problem and solutions, including endoscopy. Below are the slides from this week’s video.
This week, we’re going in-depth into coronavirus variants and mutations. We’ll talk about the different variants, why viruses mutate and more. Here are the full slides from today’s video.
This week, we sat down with Pat Colwell, RN, CGRN, to talk about pancreatic cancer. We talk about the pancreas, pancreatic cancer risk factors, prevention and more. Below are the full slides from today’s video.
This week, we’re talking about a common medical issue – gallstones. We go into detail about gallstone symptoms, treatments and more. Below are the full slides from this week’s video.
This week, we’re talking about diverticulosis, a sac-like protrusion in the colon wall. We discuss complications related to diverticulosis along with ways to prevent it. Below are the slides from this week’s video.
In this week’s Coffee with Dr. Ravi, we are discussing coronary artery disease and how it develops. Coronary artery disease occurs when fatty deposits and plaque start to obstruct blood flow through the arteries to the heart. We also go over risk factors and prevention. Here are the full slides from today:
This week, we’re talking about vaccines. We will go into detail on COVID-19 vaccine development and why vaccines work. There are currently two COVID-19 vaccines on the market. We encourage you to get the COVID-19 vaccine when available to you and educate yourself on how vaccines work. Below are the full slides from this week’s…
In this week’s video we are discussing Hiatal Hernia. We go in detail on the types, the treatment options and when we determine if surgery is an option. Thanks again for joining us this week. We will be taking 2 weeks of for the holidays. Please join us again after the first of the year….
In this week’s video we are discussing a big topic that a lot of our viewers wanted us to cover – Diabetes. We go into detail about what this condition is, what you can do to avoid worsening the condition and what you can do to better manage it.
In this week’s video we are talking about nutrient dense fruits and vegetables and the health benefits they provide. We showcase different fruits and vegetables and discuss the nutrient density scores for each one. Below are the slides from this week’s video.
Welcome to another installment of Coffee With Dr. Ravi. This week we are talking about virus transmission, shared social responsibility during the pandemic and the release of the vaccines. As always, thanks for joining us. If there is a topic you would like to see covered, please comment below and let us know what you…
For this week’s video we are revisiting a subject we did several months back: Pancreatic Cancer. We thought it was appropriate since this week is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Week.
For this week, we are discussing bipolar disorder – what it is, what causes it, the personal implications and how it is treated. Sometimes misdiagnosed as depression, bipolar disorder is a serious disability and people suffering from this condition are at a higher risk for suicide. Because of the serious implications connected to this disorder,…
In today’s video we are talking about how masks work to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In particular, we are discussing multi-layered cotton masks and how wearing a mask limits the range of virus droplets. The virus droplets have to navigate through a forest of fabric fibers in the mask and for the most part,…
In this week’s video we want to talk about our coffee shop and how we are using it to impact our local community as well as the communities where the coffee comes from. Below are the slides from this week’s video.
For this week, we are discussing Cirrhosis of the liver. We are covering what it is, what causes it, the implications on future health and management options for patients. Below are the slides from this week’s video.
In this week’s video we are discussing fatty liver and its significance to general health. We discuss what fatty liver and NASH are, risk factors, possible outcomes and treatment. Fatty liver is often associated with obesity, Type 3 Diabetes Mellitus, Dyslipidemia, MetS and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Fatty liver can lead to cardiovascular disease, cancer and…
In this week’s video we are discussing degenerative cervical spondylosis, which often presents as neck pain. More serious symptoms include gait instability, loss of sensation and fever. Many cases can be treated with oral analgesics, epidural corticosteroid injections, physical therapy or traction, although some more serious cases may require surgery. Below are the slides…
In this week’s video we are talking about one of the most popular beverages in the world – coffee. Is coffee good for you? What effects does it have on your body? And the biggest question, does it have any health benefits? This week, we talk about it all. Below are the slides from this…
In this week’s video we are discussing stomach ulcers – what they are and how they form. We are also talking about what causes stomach ulcers, the symptoms and how they can be treated. Below are the slides from this week’s Coffee with Ravi.
In this week’s video we are discussing vaccines you need as an adult. We talk about what vaccines are, how they work, what you need and the different types of vaccines you should get if you have certain health conditions. We also discuss who shouldn’t be getting a vaccine because of certain health related issues….
This week we discuss osteoporosis, the thinning of the bones. We go over symptoms, causes and prevention techniques. Below are the slides from this week’s video.
In this week’s video we are talking about fall prevention. Falls in people over the age of 65 happen due to many factors. In this video, we discuss those causes and how you can take measures to reduce falls with exercise, proper eye care and possibly medication modification. Below are the slides from this…
In this week’s video we are discussing problems with swallowing and Eosinophilic Esophagitis or EoE. EoE Can be a result of a food allergy and present as difficulty swallowing and possibly heartburn but there are treatment options and we discuss those options as well. Below are the slides from this week’s video.
In this week’s video we are discussing lifestyle, diet and other factors as it relates to dementia. There are simple lifestyle changes you can make that can possibly diminish the risk of developing dementia later on in life. Below are the slides from this week’s video.
Thanks for joining us again. In today’s video we are talking about diet and exercise and how they play an important role in preventing various types of cancer. Below are the slides from today’s video.
In this week’s video we are discussing the benefits of how Cedar Valley Digestive Health Center processes billing and why it’s more convenient and easier for patients to understand. We are also covering why it is more cost-effective to choose Cedar Valley Digestive Health Center for your procedure. Below are the slides from this week’s…
In this week’s video, we are discussing quality in an endoscopy and how well colonoscopies detect polyps which may lead to cancer. We discuss the GIQuIC initiative which measures factors such as: – withdrawal time – adenoma detection rate – cecal intubation documentation – quality of bowel prep – risk assessment documentation Finally, we…
In this week’s video, we will be discussing the symptoms that are oftentimes an indicator of GI illness. Below are the slides from this week’s presentation.
In this week’s video we are discussing colon cancer prevention, the different types of testing or detection that are available and the effectiveness of each. Below are the slides from this week’s video.
In today’s video we are discussing how COVID-19 spreads. The virus is typically spread one of three ways – through droplets, aerosols and fomite. Studies are showing that the risk of infection dramatically increases if you are in a confined place, like a bar, where there is a large number in close proximity talking at…
In this week’s video we are discussing risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis and the testing procedures for Pancreatic Cancer. Below are the slides from this week’s video. A very special thanks to Dr. Suhag Patel for joining us this week. For questions, please contact the Cedar Valley Digestive Health Center
This week Dr. Ravi is joined by Dr. Arun Muthusamy to tackle the popular topic of probiotics. Dr. Arun explains what probiotics are, how they work and the many benefits of these microorganisms. Below are the slides from this week’s video. Special thanks to Dr. Arun Muthusamy for joining us today. See you next week!
In this week’s video we are discussing lactose (milk) intolerance. We will talk about what it is, the different versions, symptoms, how it’s diagnosed and what you can do if you find yourself diagnosed with lactose intolerance. Below are the slides from today’s video. Thank you for joining us again this week. Make sure you…
In this episode we are talking about the benefits of intermittent fasting. Doing this simple exercise is more than a simple reduction in calories, it can help in many areas of the body including the brain, heart and muscles. Below are the slides from today’s video. Thanks again for joining for this episode of…
In today’s video we are discussing updates on the COVID-19 virus as it relates to the infection timeline, treatment options and the drive to quickly develop a vaccine. Below are the slides from this week’s video. Thanks for joining us. If you have any questions about the video or would like to suggest topics…
In this week’s video we are talking about the GI condition known as Barrett’s Esophagus. ● Barrett’s esophagus is the condition in which a metaplastic columnar epithelium that has both gastric and intestinal features replaces the stratified squamous epithelium that normally lines the distal esophagus. ● The condition develops as a consequence of chronic…
Did you know that CV Digestive Health Center and their office based clinic and endoscopy will provide lower cost services to patients and their insurance companies? You, the patient, will no longer be billed a facility fee Procedures will average you 50% less Biologics, on average, will cost you around 45% less We are also…
In this week’s video we are discussing the 3 different types of wheat related disorders: Celiac Disease Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity Wheat Allergy
Below are some of the things that you can do to stay healthy during the pandemic. Eat healthy and make sure your diet includes some of the following: A wide variety of vegetables that are brightly colored Wide variety of berries that could be colored Using healthy oils such as olive or use walnuts…
Welcome to our new series called Coffee with Dr. Ravi. This series will include weekly posts, every Friday, to inform you about the latest trends on various digestive health problems. This first video is about COVID-19 with specific emphasis on how COVID-19 affects the digestive health system and for a majority of people is…
Talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, who turned 50 in late 2017, has followed The American College of Gastroenterology Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines and received his first colonoscopy. As the second most-common killer of men and women combined and the third most-commonly diagnosed cancer in America, colorectal cancer has had an important impact on many people,…
A recent study of 25,000 patients in the Veterans Affair (VA) health system confirmed that colonoscopies reduce colorectal cancer death rates, a finding that confirms the long-held position of The American College of Gastroenterology. Among those studied, almost 80%, or 20,000, were cancer-free from 2002-2008, while the other 5,000 who were diagnosed with colorectal cancer…
IBS is an increasingly common condition characterized by frequent abdominal pain and diarrhea or constipation. Various triggers for IBS exist and vary with each person, although the condition can be treated with patient-specific therapies. Every year since 1997, April has been IBS Awareness Month and there is no better time to talk to your gastroenterologist…
Is it a bug or is it IBS? That’s a fundamental question that many people suffering from GI distress ask themselves and it varies from person to person. For those with the worst cases of IBS, the condition can significantly affect their daily lives—causing them to miss work and frequently visit the bathroom, no matter…
Patients with IBS experienced improved symptoms when administering their own cognitive behavior therapy, as compared to patients who received similar therapy in a moderately monitored or professionally structured environment. Those treated through cognitive behavior therapy also were less likely to experience setbacks in their IBS symptoms. Healio Gastroenterology (10/19)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS, is more common among women than men and a recent study offers a potential explanation for this connection. While the study offers early-stage information on this potential correlation, which itself requires further study before a firm conclusion about this relationship can be reached, this data suggests that sex hormones play…
Join Allen Digestive Health and many others in raising colon cancer awareness this March by wearing blue and spreading the word about the need to be screened! March is an important month to our specialty and to many others affected by colon cancer. Colon cancer is a senseless killer because it is so preventable. Every…
Increasingly, the benefits of central neuromodulators (antidepressants, antipsychotics and other targeted drugs) in treating functional GI disorders (FGIDs) that are accompanied by chronic pain and pronounced symptoms, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), are becoming more apparent. Unfortunately, many physicians are less familiar with these more recent forms of treatment, which often leads to patients…
A recent study of Swedish men, beginning in their late teens and stretching the next 40 years, found that those who began drinking in their early years were more likely to develop liver disease. The early age drinking, identified as two or more drinks a day, have prompted some in the U.S. and international health…
Beginning in the early 1990s, patients with gastroparesis began visiting hospital emergency rooms in greater numbers, increasing the amount of hospitalizations from 1994 to 2014 by more than double and quadrupling expenses across this time. The Baylor College of Medicine research team also found that the number of gastroparesis patients with ER stays from 2006-2014…
If you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you may also have a smaller amount of white matter in your brain’s insula, which is an area of your brain that prompts sensations in your body’s gastrointestinal tract. This is according to a recent study, which was unable to confirm causation between the presence of IBS and…
For patients who are obese and have been diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), a recent trial program demonstrates that individual education regarding the connection between diet and this condition, along with regular physician consultations and a personalized diet, can have a positive impact on the patient’s GERD symptoms. One important finding from the recent TRIM…
A recent study indicates that foods more likely to cause inflammation, such as red and processed meats, sugary beverages, and refined grains, also carry an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Researchers at Harvard, who studied over 100,000 test subjects for more than a quarter century, found that individuals who ate foods that tended to result in increased…
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Kalala has been selected as a Fellow of American College of Gastroenterology. Being selected by the American College of Gastroenterology for Fellow demonstrates a marked commitment to college activities, improvement in gastroenterology and contributions to the field of gastroenterology. Dr. Kalala has already been on the Practice Management…
Our epithelium is a small lining of our guts that contains a universe of different microbes, food particles and other molecules, including a hormone that drives our emotions as well as our need for sleep and bowel movements. Known as serotonin, it is a neurotransmitter that is tied to our central nervous systems, a relationship…
Over the last thirty-plus years, liver cancer death rates have dramatically increased in the U.S., with the disease now ranking as the fastest-rising cancer fatality as over 40,000 new cases and almost 30,000 deaths are projected in 2017. Unfortunately, the liver cancer mortality rate is one in five, although the disease is preventable, particularly among the baby…
High-fiber foods have been linked to a decreased risk of gallbladder surgery among participants in a recent study conducted in France. People who ate higher amounts of fruits, vegetables and whole grain breads experienced fewer gallbladder surgeries or cholecystectomies, as compared to people with diets entailing decreased amounts of these foods and greater levels of…
Your gut microbiome is a vast collection of microbes, including bacteria, that exist in your digestive tract, which can be affected by the process required to prepare for a colonoscopy, which often includes a period of fasting, consumption of a liquid laxative and use of an enema. Through this process, your microbiome is altered, although…
As public opinion and states shift toward a majority of Americans favoring marijuana legalization and nearly two-thirds of all states adopting some form of medicinal marijuana laws, respectively, the topic of cannabis as a treatment option for GI disorders, particularly IBD or chronic nausea, has recently arisen. A series of recent clinical trials and ongoing research indicate that marijuana can lessen…
Over the last twenty years, the incidence rate of colorectal cancer among patients age 55 and younger has grown significantly. With this increased frequency of the disease among those ages 20-54 has come several prevention steps recommended by gastroenterologists. These steps include regular screenings for people beginning at age 50 (or age 45 for African…
CVGI Gut Check for Patients Stay informed and up-to-date on the latest findings, trends and breakthroughs in gastrointestinal health and well being.
Chris E. Forsmark, MD; Santhi Swaroop Vege, MD and C. Mel Wilcox, MD N Engl J Med 2016; 375:1972-1981, November 17, 2016 Abstract available at: http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMra1505202 This interesting review by three noted experts focuses on the most recent practice changes. Noteworthy points are as follows: Patients with vague symptoms and minimal amylase/lipase elevation (<3 times…
A Pharmacoepidemiological Claims Data Analysis Willy Gomm, PhD; Klaus von Holt, MD, PhD; Friederike Thomé, MSc; et al. JAMA Neurol. 2016 April; 73(4):410-6 Abstract available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26882076 This association was encountered by an epidemiological study. Findings of mouse models in which the use of PPIs increased the levels of β-amyloid in the brain are suggestive…
Thomas V. K. Herregods; Ans Pauwels; Jafar Jafari; Daniel Sifrim; Albert J. Bredenoord; Jan Tack; and André J. P. M. Smout Gut 2017 March 15 Abstract available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28298354 It is well known by gastroenterologists that cough does not respond well to acid suppression with proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs), especially in patients who do not have…
Gastrointestinal Safety of Direct Oral Anticoagulants: A Large Population-Based Study Gastroenterology 2016 Dec. 31, Vol. 152, Pgs. 932-934 Neena S. Abraham; Peter A. Noseworthy; Xiaoxi Yao; Lindsey R. Sangaralingham and Nilay D. Shah Abstract available at: http://www.jwatch.org/na43242/2017/01/17/risks-gi-bleeding-with-direct-oral-anticoagulants This study was a retrospective, propensity-matched analysis of administrative claims data on more than 120 million privately insured…
Philip Katz, MD; Donald O. Castell, MD; Gary W. Falk, MD, MS; Michael Vaezi, MD, PhD, MSc Supplement to Gastroenterology & Endoscopy News (Special Report), November 15, 2016 Summary and article link available at: http://www.gastroendonews.com/Monographs-and-Whitepapers/Article/11-16/Expert-Consensus-on-the-Benefit-to-Risk-Ratio-of-PPIs-An-Analysis-of-Recent-Observational-Studies/38575/ses=ogst Due to concerns stemming from observational studies, a PPI roundtable summit was convened in August 2016 to review the articles…
Colleen R. Kelly, MD; Alexander Khoruts, MD; Christopher Staley, PhD; Michael J. Sadowsky, PhD; Mortadha Abd, MD; Mustafa Alani, MD; Brianna Bakow, BA; Patrizia Curran, MD; Joyce McKenney, MS; Allison Tisch, NP; Steven E. Reinert, MS; Jason T. Machan, PhD; Lawrence J. Brandt, MD Ann Intern Med. 2016 Nov. 1; 165(9):609-616 Abstract available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27547925…
Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is among the most fatal gastrointestinal infections globally and recently researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a new capsule-based method of delivering Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT), a proven treatment for CDI, to patients. Currently, FMT is administered via a colonoscopy, which posed issues relating to cost and appropriate storage…
A recent study of adult American who had previously experienced symptoms commonly associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), including frequent abdominal discomfort and instances of modified stool (such as alteration to bowel movement schedule and look), indicated that three in four IBS sufferers could be undiagnosed. Several factors, including the non-application of IBS diagnostic criteria…
Increasingly, online health discussions, publications and sites have begun treating leaky gut syndrome, a condition characterized by inflammation, bowel cramping and indigestion that is believed to be caused by prescription painkillers and frequent stress, as the catch-all trigger for multiple types of digestive distress. Unfortunately, insufficient research into the condition itself and its proposed treatments,…
Among all gastrointestinal issues, constipation is among the most prevalent in the U.S., with over 40 million Americans regularly afflicted. While many potential activities and treatments are often discussed as potential constipation alleviators, the truth is that some remedies are more effective than others. For example, consistent exercise and maintaining proper levels of hydration can…
New Hampshire is facing a growing number of Hepatitis C incidences relating to the state’s recent opioid outbreak. The practice of sharing needles among intravenous drug users has led many providers in the state, including gastroenterologists, to see a larger than normal number of cases of Hepatitis C, bacterial endocarditis and other severe infections among…
Everyday stress, as transmitted between a person’s gastrointestinal (GI) lining and brain, can worsen existing GI conditions such as Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional dyspepsia and heartburn and ulcerative colitis. While an underlying condition must first exist for such common tension to impact it, once present within a person it can be exacerbated…
Based on a recent clinical study, the drug pioglitazone, which is generally prescribed as a diabetes treatment medication, can help patients who have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (also known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and who also suffer from fibrosis and advanced fibrosis. NASH is a term for several conditions related to fat increases in the…
Due to rises in the cost and use of prescription drugs in 2016 among those insured under health plans available through the Affordable Care Act-created exchanges, the total cost of medications for these individuals rose three times as fast as compared to the prices paid under public and other private plans. Medications for inflammatory and…
Sufferers of carcinoid syndrome diarrhea, a condition in which serotonin is overproduced by tumors, experience uncontrolled diarrhea that in turn can affect a person’s weight, nutrition, hydration and heart valve function, among other effects. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recently approved Xermelo, an oral medication, as a treatment option for use along with…
A recent study supports the previous conclusion of researchers that being obese raises your risk of developing and dying from eleven types of cancer, specifically those affecting the digestive system, such as colon, pancreas and rectum cancers and hormones in women, including breast and ovary cancers. In addition to smoking cessation, physicians regard weight loss…
According to a recent HealthDay/Harris Poll, over six in ten American adults have little knowledge of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, also known as “superbugs”, which kill over 20,000 Americans annually. While superbugs, which spread primarily due to the prevalence of inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions and antibiotic-fed animals, survive exposure to drugs and mutate to become stronger, nearly…
While colorectal cancer is still most common in people age 50 and older, it is becoming more common in those in their 20s and 30s generally as well as compared to incidences in members of that age group from past generations. This rise in cases may be due to recent increases in obesity, alcohol use,…
We are pleased to announce that Allen Digestive Health Center has received an Allen Foundation Impact Grant. The purpose of this grant is to enable associates, physicians and/or volunteers to enhance the patient experience. The Digestive Health Center will use this money to purchase iPads to be used to expedite the registration process, decrease wait…
Career Ladder Career ladder packet Career ladder policy Industry Websites/Resources Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates American Board of Certification for Gastroenterology Nurses Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons American Gastroenterological Association American College of Gastroenterology Other GI Related Information SGNA Rolls Out New Sedation Website Released: October 5, 2014 Author: Sue Nuccio, MSN RN ACNS-BC…
Updates for 2017 For 2017 the Digestive Health Center will continue to focus on service, quality, patient satisfaction and remaining a great place to work. We will continue to work on growth of practice along with reorganization of staff which is necessary any time that there is change in the practice. We will continue to…
SGNA Nurse Fellowship and Scholarship programs available for 2017
The following documents include recent statistics on Allen Memorial Hospital’s performance data for our Tower Park and Logan Avenue locations. The Trends 2017 Performance Improvement Trend Analysis – Logan Location 2017 Performance Improvement Trend Analysis – Tower Park Location
Nurse meeting dates: June 2, Aug 4, Oct 6, Dec 1 Education days: June 7, Sept 6, Dec 6 Great Physician Debate: July 11th at the Hilton Garden Inn Front Desk Meetings: July 18, Aug. 12, Nov. 7 Logan Unit Meetings: Aug. 9, Oct.11, Dec. 13
The risks of Thromboembolism vs. recurrent GI bleeding after interruption of systemic anticoagulation. Background: During hospitalization due to GI bleed anticoagulants are stopped until the episode is resolved. There are very few guidelines or data available on when and if anticoagulation should be restarted. Design: A prospective study indicates that the answer is YES. 197…
Initial cholecystectomy vs. sequential common duct endoscopic assessment and subsequent cholecystectomy for suspected gallstone migration. Background: Guidelines recommend ERCP or EUS prior to cholecystectomy in patients with high risk for bile duct stones (cholangitis, jaundice, visible CBD stone). In patients with low risk for CBD stone (uncomplicated gallstone pancreatitis) proceeding directly to cholecystectomy is recommended….
The changing role of beta-blocker therapy in patients with cirrhosis. Background: New data show that arterial pressure is an independent predictor of survival in patients with cirrhosis. Patients with a mean arterial pressure (MAP) >80 have a 1 year survival of 70% compared with only 40% in patients with a MAP <80. Design: A recent…
Why there’s no point telling me to lose weight. A recent article on BMJ was written by a patient revealing her personal perspective on obesity. She mentions that she is one of over 97% of people for whom dieting does not lead to sustained weight loss. She mentions that she has changed her lifestyle with…
Dietary elimination therapy is an effective alternative for adults with eosinophilic esophagitis. Background: In eosinophilic esophagitis, swallowed corticosteroids are effective. Based on a recent study, dietary elimination might be a more durable therapy. Design: Retrospective study. In 31 adults with eosinophilic esophagitis responses were assessed for a targeted elimination diet or a six food elimination diet…
Albumin infusion in patients undergoing large volume paracentesis: A meta-analysis of randomized trials. Background: IV albumin has been used as a plasma volume expander. In cirrhotics albumin keeps an essential role in solubilization, transport and metabolism of a variety of molecules. It also has some immonumodulatory properties. Design: A recent review focused on the role…
What is it? A soft diet means eating foods that are soft and easy for you to chew or to swallow. Eating soft foods may help if you have problems chewing or swallowing Milkshakes Banana’s, Applesauce and other soft non-acidic fruits Peach, Pear, and Apricot Nectars Watermelon Cottage Cheese Yogurt Mashed Potatoes Macaroni and Cheese…
Irritable bowel syndrome drugs receive FDA approval The FDA has granted approval to two drugs for the treatment of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome in adults. Actavis’ eluxadoline reduces bowel contractions and constipation risk, while Valeant Pharmaceuticals’ rifaximin was previously approved as a treatment for traveler’s diarrhea. The approvals were backed by trial data showing the…
Adding Fiber Fiber “roughage” is the part of plant food that is not broken down or digested in our bodies. It is the plants skin, roots, stems, leaves and seeds. Fiber is not digested by your body. It passes unchanged through your stomach, small intestine and into your colon. Fiber is classified into two categories:…
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW: A 2 gram sodium diet limits high sodium foods in your diet. No table salt is allowed at meals or during cooking while you are on this diet. The amount of milk is also limited because of the amount of sodium it contains. A high amount of sodium in your diet…
Constipation sufferers: Fiber to the rescue While everyone’s had a bout of constipation at one point, eating a high-fiber diet can help alleviate the symptoms and promote normal bowel function. Learn more about fiber, its benefits and which foods you should eat to increase your fiber intake. Please visit: http://patients.gi.org/topics/constipation-and-defection-problems/
Gallstone disease: Are you at risk? Gallstones are one of the most common gastrointestinal problems, especially for women. Women between the ages of 20 and 60 years are three times more likely to develop gallstones than men. Learn more about the symptoms and risk factors for developing gallstone disease at: http://patients.gi.org/topics/biliary-tract-disorders-gallbladder-disorders-and-gallstone-pancreatitis/
Study: Probiotics are linked to overall well-being Gut flora, found in probiotic-rich products such as yogurt, are directly linked to a person’s overall well-being, according to new research. Yogurt that contains Lactobacillus rhamnosus has even been linked to mood improvements.
FDA gives companies 3 years to remove trans fats The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued its final rule on partially hydrogenated oils in food products, giving companies three years to remove the ingredients or apply for permission to use them. The FDA also officially concluded that partially hydrogenated oils are not assumed to…
Colorectal cancer risks are lower with high-quality colonoscopies. Higher-quality colonoscopies, as determined by adenoma detection rates, may reduce the risk of colon cancer and colon cancer mortality by 50% to 60%, according to study data on nearly 57,600 patients in the Kaiser Permanente Northern California health care system published in JAMA. Researchers developed a microsimulation…
Gastroparesis is a condition when your stomach is slow to empty food into your intestine and causes bloating after you eat. Other symptoms are nausea and vomiting. There are some helpful changes you can make to how you eat. Eat small meals. Large meals take longer to empty your stomach. Eat snacks if you need…
If you feel you have IBS please have a doctor evaluate you to be sure you don’t have a serious medical issue. IBS symptoms of bloating, flatulence, cramping, diarrhea or constipation can range from mild to significant. What to eat to reduce symptoms is highly individual. An often suggested meal plan is a Low FODMAP…
