succinct, precise recommendations on the evaluation and management of common gastrointestinal symptoms and disorders. Each chapter has been thoroughly revised, and some chapters have been rewritten, to update content to modern concepts and guidelines. The chapters were written predominantly by Washington University subspecialty fellows, with support and guidance from their faculty mentors. Similar to previous editions, the fourth edition of the manual is targeted to medical students, novice and advanced trainees, physician extenders, nurse practitioners, other health care providers, and physicians, and will provide easy access to clinically relevant recommendations for diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal disorders”– Provided by publisher.

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  This work is no substitute for individual patient assessment based upon healthcare professionals’ examination of each patient and consideration of, among other things, age, weight, gender, current or prior medical conditions, medication history, laboratory data and other factors unique to the patient. The publisher does not provide medical advice or guidance and this work is merely a reference tool. Healthcare professionals, and not the publisher, are solely responsible for the use of this work including all medical judgments and for any resulting diagnosis and treatments.

    Given continuous, rapid advances in medical science and health information, independent professional verification of medical diagnoses, indications, appropriate pharmaceutical selections and dosages, and treatment options should be made and healthcare professionals should consult a variety of sources. When prescribing medication, healthcare professionals are advised to consult the product information sheet (the manufacturer’s package insert) accompanying each drug to verify, among other things, conditions of use, warnings and side effects and identify any changes in dosage schedule or contraindications, particularly if the medication to be administered is new, infrequently used or has a narrow therapeutic range. To the maximum extent permitted under applicable law, no responsibility is assumed by the publisher for any injury and/or damage to persons or property, as a matter of products lia

preface

their faculty mentors. Similar to previous editions, the fourth edition of the manual is targeted to medical students, novice and advanced trainees, physician extenders, nurse practitioners, other health care providers, and physicians, and will provide easy access to clinically relevant recommendations for diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal disorders.

I would like dedicate this edition of the manual to all the trainees who aspire to become gastroenterologists, and I sincerely hope reading the manual will further inspire them to pursue training within the field of gastroenterology.