Dr. Starpoli's Blog

        The reasons people shy away from the procedure vary, but many find the pre-procedure bowel preparation unpleasant, according to Reuters (10/29, Fox). Some also find the procedure itself embarrassing and uncomfortable, while others worry about the potential for injury.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD is well-known to affect sleep patterns and an irregular sleep pattern can lead to poor performance in wake periods. Furthermore, there is a bidirectional relationship between sleep and GERD.  Poor sleep can lead to an exacerbation of GERD and GERD can disturb sleep.

Esophageal cancer rates have risen by 50% over the past 25 years in men in the United Kingdom, according to new figures released by Cancer Research UK.

If you are 50 or over or have a family history of colon cancer, you should be screened. African-Americans should be screened beginning at age 45. Colon cancer is one of the most preventable and curable types of cancer when detected early. Since the risk of colon cancer increases with age, getting screened is essential.

As mentioned in our last blog post, a common but less frequently diagnosed form of reflux is what is known as laryngo-pharyngeal reflux, or LPR. Note what Dr. David Brian, an otolaryngologist in Dodge City, KS had to say on the subject:

Most people think of gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD as the classic symptoms of heartburn or regurgitation.  Heartburn is often reported as a burning sensation below the breast bone and regurgitation is the effortless repeating or return of food material back up the esophagus (or food tube).  It is important not to mistake a chest pain complaint that may be cardiac in origin for reflux.  See your doctor if you have a new chest pain complaint, especially if you have cardiac disease risk factors such as a family history of heart disease, high cholesterol, obesity, or if you smoke.  Now, back to reflux troubles.

The American College of Gastroenterology, based on two recent studies, is recommending patients split their colonoscopy preparation into two parts, one the evening before and the other about six hours prior to the exam, as it leads to clearer colonoscopy views and better results. The presence of residual stool will make it harder for the colonoscopist to identify abnormal growths that could develop into cancer.

Have you ever wondered why some providers offices call so many times to remind you to schedule an appointment? Our office does this monthly, in order to ensure that our patients obtain the needed testing to diagnose and treat certain dangerous conditions, such as colon cancer. A recent article published in HealthDay bore out that this is an effective and essential way to encourage patients to keep on their treatment.