Publisher's Synopsis
The introduction of new potent drugs and the invention and development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic techniques have dramatically changed the possibilities of diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal diseases. As a result, many new professional, legal, and ethical issues have emerged. This publication contains a selection of papers presented during the 2nd Symposium on Ethics in Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy (organized by the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, ESGE, and the World Organization of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, OMED, in association with the United European Gastroenterology Federation, UEGF). Topics include issues related to obtaining informed consent, quality control for endoscopic maintenance and repair services, geriatric gastroenterology (covering among other things the epidemiology of gastrointestinal diseases in the elderly and drug interactions due to polypharmacy), the importance of the psychiatric profile of individuals suffering from excessive weight or obesity, and the correct approach to obtaining a second medical opinion. Addressing a wide range of topics, this publication is intended to assist practicing gastroenterologists in their dealings with some of the issues raised by recent developments.
