Dr. Wolfsen presents information in this issue about endoluminal techniques that have been developed for removing Barrett's esophagus. Emphasis is on circumferential balloon-based radiofrequency ablation, ALA and porfimer sodium photodynamic therapy (PDT), endoscopic mucosal resection, submucosal dissection, and liquid nitrogen and carbon dioxide cryotherapy. Dr. Wolfsen's assembled authors also provide insight into advances in esophageal surgery, NOTES, and advances in the use of stents. The reader will find that the whole issue addresses the goal of moving closer to ideal endoscopic treatment modalities for the safe, effective, reproducible, stable, and durable treatment for Barrett's disease in order to prevent the development of dysplasia or carcinoma.

This issue of Thoracic Surgery Clinics of North America, guest edited by Dr. Brian E. Louie, is devoted to Innovations in the Management of Foregut Disease. Dr. Louie has assembled expert authors to review the following topics: Endoscopic approaches to cricopharyngeal myotomy and pyloromyotomy; Options for the challenging hiatus during paraesophageal hernia repair; Endoluminal therapies for esophageal perforations and leaks; Extraluminal approaches to GERD; Advanced endoluminal technologies for Barrett's esophagus - focus on OCT and CLE; Mucosal ablation techniques for Barrett's esophagus and early esophageal cancer; Best practices for training, education and introduction of new techniques for foregut disease management into clinical practice; Per Oral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) for Achalasia; Endoscopic resection of tumors of the esophagus; The role of the functional probe in esophageal disease; Enhance the detection of Barrett's esophagus; Endoluminal approaches to GERD; The role of functional fluorescence imaging during esophagectomy; and more!

This work focuses on the physiologic approach to the understanding and management of oesophageal disease. This is coupled with the utilization of minimally invasive thoracoscopic and laparoscopic surgery as a first option in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. oesophageal motility disorders, oesophageal diverticula, and benign oesopha

Endoscopic Therapy is emerging as the preferred therapy for early neoplasia in Barrett’s Esophagus. This volume provides the key decision making factors in determining endoscopic therapy for an individual patient. All current techniques and complications of ET are provided including, photodynamic therapy (PDT), APC, multipolar electrocoagulation (MPEC), RF, ER, and cryotherapy. Each technique includes “how to highlights”, high quality color endoscopic images, line drawings and diagrams. Endoscopic imaging modalities to detect dysplasia, decision making in the clinical arena and cost-effectiveness of ablation are some of the additional topics discussed in this highly practical volume. Written by experts in the field of endoscopic therapy, this text educates GI practitioners and researchers about this under-utilized approach to the treatment of Barrett’s Esophagus.

THE ESOPHAGUS The Esophagus investigates the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the esophagus. This sixth edition, revised and updated throughout, also explores the diagnosis and treatment of various esophageal conditions. It includes treatment guidelines approved by the two largest gastroenterology societies, the ACG and AGA, as befits a work co-edited by two former presidents of those organizations. Advancements in diagnostics are presented, as are developments in the surgical and drug therapies. Presented in full colour, and boasting an unrivalled team of editors and contributing authors, The Esophagus Sixth Edition will find a home wherever the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the esophagus are studied and taught. This book is accompanied by a website containing all the figures from the book in PowerPoint format. www.wiley.com/go/richter/esophagus6e Praise for the Fifth Edition: “There is absolutely no doubt that this edition of the textbook will maintain its status as the go-to reference for esophageal conditions, and will remain a highly utilized and clinically useful resource for novice and experienced physicians and surgeons alike.” (Gastroenterology, 1 July 2013)

Today a number of gastrointestinal disorders that once required open surgical or percutaneous management are being managed with endolumenal therapies. This has led to an evolution of minimally invasive endolumenal approaches to many disorders. This issue reviews the progress made in the application of endolumenal therapies and not only discuss current applications but future efforts and directions for clinical investigation. Articles will focus on the scope of the problem, past management options, new endolumenal options, investigations with endolumenal therapy, current status (clinical trial results if available), and future directions.