Abstract: This document relates to materials and methods involved in assessing inflammatory bowel disease patients at risk for developing cancer. For example, materials and methods for monitoring colorectal cancer risk in ulcerative colitis patients are provided.

Abstract: This document relates to materials and methods involved in assessing inflammatory bowel disease patients at risk for developing cancer. For example, materials and methods for monitoring colorectal cancer risk in ulcerative colitis patients are provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating obesity includes an artificial fistula created between gastrointestinal organs such as between the stomach and the colon. The method includes selecting an implant comprising a passageway having an internal lumen with an inlet end and an outlet end. The passageway is positioned passing through a first wall of first gastrointestinal organ (for example, passing through the wall of the stomach) and a second wall of a second gastrointestinal organ (for example, passing through the wall of the large intestine) with the inlet end disposed within an interior of the first gastrointestinal organ and with the outlet disposed within an interior of the second gastrointestinal organ.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating obesity includes an artificial fistula created between gastrointestinal organs such as between the stomach and the colon. The method includes selecting an implant comprising a passageway having an internal lumen with an inlet end and an outlet end. The passageway is positioned passing through a first wall of first gastrointestinal organ (for example, passing through the wall of the stomach) and a second wall of a second gastrointestinal organ (for example, passing through the wall of the large intestine) with the inlet end disposed within an interior of the first gastrointestinal organ and with the outlet disposed within an interior of the second gastrointestinal organ.

Abstract: Stapling apparatus and methods of assembling or operating the stapling apparatus are described herein. The stapling apparatus described herein can be delivered through an overtube or other large channel. The stapling apparatus may, in various embodiments, allow for secure closure of, e.g., endoluminal openings such as, e.g., perforations, intentional viscerotomy (e.g., NOTES/full thickness resection), and other indications.

Abstract: This document relates to materials and methods involved in assessing inflammatory bowel disease patients at risk for developing cancer. For example, materials and methods for monitoring colorectal cancer risk in ulcerative colitis patients are provided.

Abstract: A system for tracking and evaluating a colonoscopy procedure performed using an endoscope includes a tracking subsystem, a processing subsystem and a display subsystem. The tracking subsystem provides information representative of the location of the endoscope within a patient's colon during the procedure. The processing subsystem generates visualization metrics from images produced by the endoscope during the procedure. The display subsystem is coupled to the tracking and processing subsystems to generate a visual display of the patient's colon with information representative of the visualization metrics at associated colon locations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating obesity includes an artificial fistula created between gastrointestinal organs such as between the stomach and the colon. The method includes selecting an implant comprising a passageway having an internal lumen with an inlet end and an outlet end. The passageway is positioned passing through a first wall of first gastrointestinal organ (for example, passing through the wall of the stomach) and a second wall of a second gastrointestinal organ (for example, passing through the wall of the large intestine) with the inlet end disposed within an interior of the first gastrointestinal organ and with the outlet disposed within an interior of the second gastrointestinal organ.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating obesity includes an artificial fistula created between gastrointestinal organs such as between the stomach and the colon. The method includes selecting an implant comprising a passageway having an internal lumen with an inlet end and an outlet end. The passageway is positioned passing through a first wall of first gastrointestinal organ (for example, passing through the wall of the stomach) and a second wall of a second gastrointestinal organ (for example, passing through the wall of the large intestine) with the inlet end disposed within an interior of the first gastrointestinal organ and with the outlet disposed within an interior of the second gastrointestinal organ.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, uses and compositions for the treatment of Crohn's disease. The invention describes methods and uses for treating Crohn's disease, wherein a TNF? inhibitor, such as a human TNF? antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, is used to induce and maintain remission of Crohn's disease in a subject. Also described are methods for determining the efficacy of a TNF? inhibitor for treatment of Crohn's disease in a subject.

Abstract: This invention relates to enema and enterically-coated dosage forms having an amount of azathioprine effective to prevent colorectal adenomas without dose-limiting systemic toxicity.

Abstract: A delayed and sustained release composition of an additive and/or toxic agent such as nicotine is delivered systemically in therapeutic amounts while avoiding the peak plasma levels which gives rise to addiction and/or toxic side effects. The composition is delivered for absorption predominantly from the colon.

Abstract: A method is provided to reduce the recurrence of colorectal adenomas following endoscopic removal by topically administering to the colon an effective amount of azathioprine thioguanine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, preferably via formulations adapted for delayed-release oral or rectal administration.

Abstract: A method is provided to treat inflammatory bowel disease by topically administering to the colon an effective amount of azathioprine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, preferably via formulations adapted for delayed-release oral or rectal administration.

Abstract: A method is provided to treat inflammatory bowel disease by locally administering to the colon an effective amount of nicotine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, preferably via formulations adapted for delayed oral release or rectal administration. Further provided is a novel formulation for the oral administration of nicotine comprising a polyacrylic polymer complexed with nicotine.

Abstract: A therapeutic method for the treatment of Crohn's disease is provided, comprising administering to a patient in need of said treatment an intravenous dose of azathioprine or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof.

Abstract: A method is provided to treat inflammatory bowel disease by topically administering to the colon an effective amount of azathioprine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, preferably via formulations adapted for delayed-release oral or rectal administration.