Latest research on GI health presented at DDW 2008

Colonoscopy: New developments in polyp detection, colonoscopy preparation and sedation techniques that will increase the effectiveness of colonoscopy and ease patient concerns about the procedure will be presented. Research advances in sedation include computer-assisted sedation systems and the new evidence supporting the administration of propofol by GI physicians.

Monday, May 19 at Noon Pacific Time
DDW Abstract Numbers: 237, 877, 878, 883, 794, W1420 and a late breaking abstract.
Dial-in: 1-866-409-1563, passcode # 7347970

Pancreatic Cancer: New research detailing innovative methods to better understand the risk factors for and improve earlier detection of pancreatic cancer will be presented. Specifically, researchers will demonstrate that the development of new biomarkers, novel treatment targets, innovative approaches to screening and surveillance and improved understanding of risk factors can lead to diagnosis of pancreatic cancer at earlier more treatable stages.

Tuesday, May 20 at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time
DDW Abstract Numbers: 762, M1431, w1401 and 644.
Dial-in: 1-877-704-5379, passcode # 7191149

Imaging & Technology: A sophisticated new surgical technology holds promise for future painless and scarless surgery with shorter recovery times than laparoscopic surgery. New research supports the safety and efficacy of natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES™ ) and details the outcomes associated with new tools and robotic applications.

Also, a new real-time microscopic technique could change the way gastrointestinal diseases are detected -- confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) effectively and immediately identifies suspicious activity and precancerous cells and may eliminate the need in many cases for biopsy in diagnosing gastrointestinal conditions. This could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of conditions including reflux disease, colon cancer and irritable bowel disease.

Sunday, May 18 at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time
DDW Abstract Numbers: 881, SP535, 876, 871, S1162, 673, M1989 and a late breaking abstract.
Dial-in: 1-888-500-6975, passcode # 1637244

Liver Disease: Researchers have made great strides in identifying better treatments for liver-related diseases. Results from new investigations into the creation of liver cells from embryonic stem cells; a potential link between recurrent urinary tract infections and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC); and identification of the most efficacious treatments for patients with hepatitis C will be presented.

Tuesday, May 20 at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time
DDW Abstract Numbers: 688, W1846, 461 and 161
Dial-in: 1-866-316-1365, passcode # 3688401

Obesity: Researchers will unveil new data outlining improved bariatric surgery options and studies that offer new insight into the related toll on the body created by obesity that can cause cancers of the esophagus and pancreas.

Tuesday, May 20 at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time
DDW Abstract Numbers: 243, M1951, 343 and 484.
Dial-in: 1-866-290-0920, passcode # 9224121

NSAIDs: Researchers have begun looking to NSAIDs as having a potential role in the prevention of colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer and pancreatitis. The three studies presented investigate the potentially beneficial role that NSAID medications can play in the treatment of GI-related cancer and in the prevention of surgery-related inflammation.

Sunday, May 18 at Noon Pacific Time
DDW Abstract Numbers: W1625, M1947 and a late breaking abstract.
Dial-in: 1-888-500-6955, passcode # 6731943

Celiac Disease: For those suffering from celiac disease, there may be good news on the horizon. New research presented will discuss the latest advancements in the diagnosis and prevention of celiac disease.

Monday, May 19 at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time
DDW Abstract numbers: 584, 585 and S1263.
Dial-in: 1-877-502-9276, passcode # 2908146

Quality of Care and Disparities: Does the success of a procedure depend on how often it is performed at a hospital, or by a particular surgeon" Is a patient’s access to procedures such as liver transplantation influenced by patient characteristics such as socioeconomic factors, geographic location, insurance or referral source" These questions and other important quality of care and disparities issues will be discussed via three new research presentations.

Wednesday, May 21 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time
DDW Abstract Numbers: 1033, T1167 and 1874
Dial-in: 1-866-454-4204, passcode # 5186403

Please Dial-in 10-15 minutes prior to the time of the start of the press briefing. Each session will include a question and answer session at the conclusion of the presentations.

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* * All data presented during DDW is EMBARGOED until the date and time of the press conference or the data presentation, whichever is scheduled first. * *

For questions or to request press materials, please contact Kristin Francini at 202-745-5107 or kfrancini@gymr.com.

To reach the DDW press room during the conference, dial 619-525-6272. The press room is located in Room 22 at the San Diego Convention Center.

To access DDW research abstracts go to: www.ddw.org/press

Digestive Disease Week® 2008 (DDW®) is the largest international gathering of physicians, researchers and academics in the fields of gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy and gastrointestinal surgery. Jointly sponsored by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), the American

Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) and the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract (SSAT), DDW takes place May 17-22, 2008 in San Diego, Calif. The meeting showcases more than 5,000 abstracts and hundreds of lectures on the latest advances in GI research, medicine and technology.

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