Canadian Association of Gastroenterology Practice Guidelines: Evaluation of Dysphagia

Dysphagia may be defined as difficulty in swallowing. Dysphagia may be classified as oropharyngeal or esophageal; oropharyngeal dysphagia arises from a structural or functional abnormality in the oropharynx, and esophageal dysphagia occurs as a result of structural or functional abnormalities in the esophagus. Esophageal dysphagia may be further subclassified symptomatically as dysphagia for solids alone, which usually suggests a mechanical problem, versus dysphagia for liquids and solids, which is more suggestive of a neuromuscular problem. Dysphagia may be described by the patient as a sensation of food 'sticking' or as a sensation of food passing slowly through the esophagus. True dysphagia always indicates organic disease and always warrants investigation and consultation if no cause is found in initial studies. These symptoms should be distinguished from those of a persistent foreign body-type sensation or a sensation of a lump, which is more typical of globus sensation. Odynophagia, defined as pain with swallowing, may occur in association with esophageal dysmotility or as a result of mucosal disease in the esophagus

A Randomized Trial Comparing Seven-Day Ranitidine Bismuth Citrate and Clarithromycin Dual Therapy to Seven-Day Omeprazole, Clarithromycin and Amoxicillin Triple Therapy for the Eradication of Helicobacter pylori

OBJECTIVE: To assess Helicobacter pylori eradication after one week dual ranitidine bismuth citrate-clarithromycin (RBC-C) or triple omeprazole, clarithromycin and amoxicillin (OCA) therapy

A multicentre, observational study of sodium picosulfate and magnesium citrate as a precolonoscopy bowel preparation

BACKGROUND: Sodium picosulfate with magnesium citrate (PSMC) has been available as a precolonoscopy bowel preparation in Canada since 2005. A high patient acceptability and preference appears to have contributed to its wide adoption across the country. Despite its frequent use, there are relatively few published studies of this product, especially reports regarding its use in routine clinical practice. Moreover, to date, there have been no Canadian studies of any kind

Canadian Association of Gastroenterology and the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation: Guidelines on Colon Cancer Screening

Colorectal cancer is the third most prevalent cancer affecting both men and women in Canada. Many of these cancers are preventable, and the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology (CAG) and the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation (CDHF) strongly support the establishment of screening programs for colorectal cancer. These guidelines discuss a number of screening options, listing the advantages and disadvantages of each. Ultimately, the test that is used for screening should be determined by patient preference, current evidence and local resources