Gastroenterology & Hepatology

Research

The faculty of Gastroenterology & Hepatology is actively pursuing research in gastrointestinal and hepatological diseases from bench to bedside and to the community.  Diverse topics are under study.  These include:

• Inflammation of the GI tract involving the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux disease, eosinophilic esophagitis) and the small and large intestine (Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis, Jejunoileitis)
• Motility disorders of the GI tract (achalasia, sphincter of oddi dysfunction)
• Reflux related airway disorders and protective mechanisms against aspiration
• Intestinal sensory physiology (brain-gut interaction, afferent nerve pathobiology)
• Pathobiology of reflux disease
• Diseases of the pancreas and biliary tract (cancer palliation, newer diagnostic modalities)
• Infectious diseases of the liver (hepatitis A, B, C), cirrhosis and portal hypertension, hepatic encephalopathy
• Intestinal absorption specifically vitamin B12

These studies are supported by a number of federal agencies including the National Institutes of Health and the Veteran's Affairs Administration, private foundations, such as, the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, Philanthropy, as well as, industry.