Abstract

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition in which the lining of the digestive tract becomes inflamed and covered with ulcers. There are two types of IBD: ulcerative colitis, which causes inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the rectum and colon; and Crohn?s disease which causes inflammation deeper within the intestinal wall of the small intestine and can occur in other parts of the digestive system including the mouth, oesophagus, and stomach. Although both conditions are characterized by inflammation and ulceration, they are in fact different disease processes and their treatments can differ. However, the goal of IBD treatment is to eliminate inflammation and there are many types of anti-inflammatory drugs currently available. In this highly illustrated title a specialist team of physicians and surgeons address some of the major questions surrounding this interesting group of diseases. Key topics include: new investigative techniques; differential diagnosis and management of specific disease states; complex manifestations of IBD and in-depth presentation of new therapeutic modalities. This book will provide an invaluable visual reference for doctors and surgeons interested in gastrointestinal disease, general physicians and for doctors and surgeons in training.