Reviews
The lessons learned from randomized clinical trials of GERD
Despite the huge number of randomized controlled clinical trials published on gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, the translation of the information gathered into clinical practice is rather limited. The aim of this article is to summarize the results of pivotal randomized controlled clinical trials and review articles on reflux disease and evaluate to what extent their results can be applied to current clinical practice. We reviewed the most relevant randomized controlled clinical trials and reviews since the publication of the first randomized controlled clinical trial on reflux oesophagitis (1978) to date.Perianal Crohn's disease: Overview
Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus. The disease is characterized by transmural inflammation that can be complicated by the development of fibrotic strictures, perforation, abscess formation, and fistulization.Imaging of perianal Crohn's disease
Perianal fistulas and abscesses are common complications of Crohn's disease, affecting up to 50% of patients during their disease course. Accurate diagnosis and classification of perianal disease is crucial before and during treatment to plan an adequate approach for each patient and to avoid irreversible functional consequences. Although examination under anaesthesia has been considered the gold standard for diagnosis and classification of Crohn's disease perianal fistulas, taken alone it does not have perfect accuracy, stressing the need for concomitant or alternative, non-invasive, methods of evaluation.
