This concise book explains how to analyze endoscopic mucosal biopsies of the colon obtained for diagnosis and follow up of colitis in general and inflammatory bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and microscopic colitis) in particular. This is achieved by the presentation of basic lesions in multiple drawings together with an explanatory text and microscopic photographs. The description is completed by a review of various differential diagnostic issues and types of colitis. Colitis: A Practical Approach to Colon Biopsy Interpretation is aimed at general pathologists and pathologists in training and also gastroenterologists to help them understand how a precise diagnosis can be reached.

Diverticular Disease of the Colon: A Deficiency Disease of Western Civilization presents a study of colonic physiology and the symptoms of colonic diverticulosis and diverticulitis. The book also discusses the etiology and pathogenesis of the disease and its treatment by dietary means. The monograph is divided into 22 chapters, discussing a wide range of topics that provide greater insight into the diverticular disease of the colon. The book initially provides the definitions and etymology of words used, the history of the disease, and its detection and recognition. Several chapters are also devoted to the examination of the colon; the effect of certain drugs and stimuli to the colon; clinical manifestation and classification of the disease; treatment and prognosis; and the epidemiology and etiology of diverticulosis and its relationship to dietary fiber. This book will be of benefit to physicians, surgeons, epidemiologists, and medical students.

Three distinct types of contractions perform colonic motility functions. Rhythmic phasic contractions (RPCs) cause slow net distal propulsion with extensive mixing/turning over. Infrequently occurring giant migrating contractions (GMCs) produce mass movements. Tonic contractions aid RPCs in their motor function. The spatiotemporal patterns of these contractions differ markedly. The amplitude and distance of propagation of a GMC are several-fold larger than those of an RPC. The enteric neurons and smooth muscle cells are the core regulators of all three types of contractions. The regulation of contractions by these mechanisms is modifiable by extrinsic factors: CNS, autonomic neurons, hormones, inflammatory mediators, and stress mediators. Only the GMCs produce descending inhibition, which accommodates the large bolus being propelled without increasing muscle tone. The strong compression of the colon wall generates afferent signals that are below nociceptive threshold in healthy subjects. However, these signals become nociceptive; if the amplitudes of GMCs increase, afferent nerves become hypersensitive, or descending inhibition is impaired. The GMCs also provide the force for rapid propulsion of feces and descending inhibition to relax the internal anal sphincter during defecation. The dysregulation of GMCs is a major factor in colonic motility disorders: irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and diverticular disease (DD). Frequent mass movements by GMCs cause diarrhea in diarrhea predominant IBS, IBD, and DD, while a decrease in the frequency of GMCs causes constipation. The GMCs generate the afferent signals for intermittent short-lived episodes of abdominal cramping in these disorders. Epigenetic dysregulation due to adverse events in early life is one of the major factors in generating the symptoms of IBS in adulthood.

Colonic diverticula occur when mucosal and submucosal layers protrude through weak points in the muscle wall. Most patients with diverticular disease are asymptomatic, but some may experience abdominal pain without inflammation. Diverticular disease may develop as diverticulitis, with or without perforation, or diverticular hemorrhage. Episodes of acute diverticulitis present themselves with pain in the left or right lower quadrant, depending on the location of the diverticula. Patients may also exhibit fever or other non-specific symptoms like anorexia or nausea. This book provides a review of the symptoms, treatment options and long-term health outcomes of diverticular disease and diverticulitis. It also examines management strategies for acute complicated diverticulitis, and discusses diverticulitis of the right colon.

This companion to Brenner and Rector's The Kidney offers a state-of-the-art summary of the most recent advances in renal genetics. Molecular and Genetic Basis for Renal Disease provides the nephrologist with a comprehensive look at modern investigative tools in nephrology research today, and reviews the molecular pathophysiology of the nephron as well as the most common genetic and acquired renal diseases. A comprehensive clinical review of Medelian renal disease is also be included. Detailed review of the molecular anatomy and pathophysiology of the nephron that provides relevant basic science to consider when diagnosing and managing patients with these disorders.