Here are seven news updates for gastroenterologists to know for June 26, 2015.
High-quality colonoscopy linked to cost-savings, lower risk of mortality
Adenoma detection rate is one of the key colonoscopy quality indicators. A recent study published in JAMA examined the lifetime benefits, complications and costs of colonoscopy screening programs at various levels of ADR. The study authors concluded higher ADR in screening colonoscopy was associated with lower risk of colorectal cancer incidence and mortality, as well as lower overall costs.
AGA Research Foundation raises $10.5M
The American Gastroenterological Association's AGA Research Foundation raised $10.5 million through its Looking Forward: Giving Back campaign. The $10.5 million will fund digestive disease and hepatology research.
Dr. Douglas Faigel named ASGE president
The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy appointed Douglas O. Faigel, MD, FASGE, as its president. Dr. Faigel is a professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz. He also serves as the chair of the division of gastroenterology and hepatology and director of therapeutic endoscopy. Additionally, he is the program director of the advanced endoscopy fellowship.
EndoChoice IPO yields $94.9M
EndoChoice, based in Alpharetta, Ga., closed its IPO and raised $94.9 million. The proceeds will be used to fund the continued commercialization of its Fuse endoscopy system, according to the report.
ASGE issues new GERD treatment guidelines
The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy has issued new guidelines that cite Stretta as a viable treatment option for GERD. The guidelines were prepared by the ASGE Standards of Practice Committee, approved by the ASGE Governing Board and published in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
CCFA names Michael Osso president, CEO
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America has named Michael Osso its new president and CEO. Mr. Osso has spent the past two years serving as chief business development officer of the CCFA. His entire career has been spent in the non-profit sector. Mr. Osso has led several successful non-profits over the past 25 years.
Colonoscopy prep center opens in Texas
Carrell Clinic, based in Dallas, and Digestive Health Associates of Texas, based in Fort Worth, Texas, collaborated to open the HyGleaCare Center in Austin. The center features the HyGleaCare Prep System, which cleanses the bowel with an infusion of warm, gravity-flow filtered water. The prep system is approved by the FDA. Patients undergo the bowel prep process on the same day as the scheduled colonoscopy.