Mathias Ebert Knihy

This issue of Digestive Diseases brings together an international panel of highly skilled and renown surgical experts introducing the reader to the latest innovations in surgical endoscopy and laparoscopy. In recent years there has been a wide range of innovations and new developments in gastrointestinal endoscopy. New technical devices based on high magnification have further progressed to the dimension of microscopic endoscopy. Moreover, the visual assessment of the entire small bowel and the biliary/pancreatic system has become possible. These developments have revolutionized the approach to diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The borders between traditional medical and surgical endoscopy are beginning to disappear, making room for more interaction across medical and surgical disciplines. Integrating gastroenterological and surgical points of view on these modern technologies will greatly benefit the patients. Those involved in the surgical treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, be it gastroenterological surgeons or surgical gastroenterologists, will find a wealth of information in this publication.

Even though the knowledge of the pathogenesis of cancers and inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract has greatly increased in recent years, their clinical management remains a challenge. Detailing the clinical potential of new technologies and opportunities that may have a rapid impact on the everyday management of patients, this publication intends to bridge the gap between basic research and clinical application. The first three reviews focus on new technologies, namely proteome analysis, DNA methylation and DNA array analysis in the management of GI cancer patients. Subsequent papers describe recent advances in the diagnosis of colon cancer by molecular analysis and the lately unraveled genetic alterations underlying chronic inflammatory diseases of the colon and pancreas. Last but not least, ethical considerations associated with mass screening of GI patients and the role of patients in the development of diagnostic and prognostic studies are discussed. Reconciling new technologies with clinical research, this publication will be of great interest for those involved in the daily management of GI diseases.