Alan B.R. Thomson – författare

A fine team of state-of-the-art researcher/clinicians who know their fields, have contributed to the advancement of knowledge, and are in a position to judge what is truly important have here pooled their thoughts in a series of chapters on the cutting edges of gastroenterology. Four attributes render this volume superior to other update-oriented publications. The first striking feature, which is immediately evident upon scanning the table of contents, is the imaginative choice of subjects, ranging from trav­ eler's diarrhea and sexually transmitted GI infections through TPN and interventional endoscopy to geriatrics and iatrogenic disease. A second outstanding feature of this volume is its success in balanc­ ing basic pathophysiology with practical considerations of clinical man­ agement. This is achieved in the discussions of such diverse topics as acid-peptic diseases, infectious and other diarrheal syndromes, and hep­ atitis immunization. Throughout the book we are led smoothly from basic science principles to specific recommendations for diagnosis and therapy. This practical emphasis appears repeatedly and sometimes pro­ duces a delightful surprise, such as a chapter on radiology that is not tech­ nology-based but instead problem-oriented.

Once again the gastroenterologists of northwestern Canada have come out with a series of essays advancing important modem concepts. As indefatigable as ever, they bring together the latest in clinical-pathophysiological considera­ tions for the clinician. The topics run the gamut from the lovely liver to HIV infection, from the pathophysiology of bile flow to comments on antigens in colorectal cancer. It is always easy to publish a first volume, for enthusiasm is high and everyone is anxious to win a place. Bringing out a second volume, the carrying forward of a good idea, is so much harder. In many ways this second volume in the series marks the coming of age of Canadian gastroenterology, as 11 of the 21 contributors currently reside in Canada. Still, the contributions from the United Kingdom and the United States make this an Anglo-American festival. Reading the chapters will make you appreciate the care with which the contributors have garnered recent references to give up-to-date practical infor­ mation for us all. I enjoyed all that I read. My congratulations to Drs. Shaffer and Thomson for a job well done. Howard M. Spiro, M.D. New Haven, Connecticut ix Preface This book is based on papers presented at the third symposium on Recent Ad­ vances in Gastroenterology held by the Canadian Association of Gastroenter­ ology. The proposed audience for this volume is the internist and the general surgeon, as well as those in the specialties of gastroenterology and hepatology.

A fine team of state-of-the-art researcher/clinicians who know their fields, have contributed to the advancement of knowledge, and are in a position to judge what is truly important have here pooled their thoughts in a series of chapters on the cutting edges of gastroenterology. Four attributes render this volume superior to other update-oriented publications. The first striking feature, which is immediately evident upon scanning the table of contents, is the imaginative choice of subjects, ranging from trav­ eler''s diarrhea and sexually transmitted GI infections through TPN and interventional endoscopy to geriatrics and iatrogenic disease. A second outstanding feature of this volume is its success in balanc­ ing basic pathophysiology with practical considerations of clinical man­ agement. This is achieved in the discussions of such diverse topics as acid-peptic diseases, infectious and other diarrheal syndromes, and hep­ atitis immunization. Throughout the book we are led smoothly from basic science principles to specific recommendations for diagnosis and therapy. This practical emphasis appears repeatedly and sometimes pro­ duces a delightful surprise, such as a chapter on radiology that is not tech­ nology-based but instead problem-oriented.

Presenting patient- and problem-oriented review articles, this series is designed to keep the internist, general surgeon, and specialist in gastroenterology and hepatology abreast of the latest advances in the field.