A 13-nation population survey of upper gastrointestinal symptoms: prevalence of symptoms and socioeconomic factors.

Background: Previous data collected in separate studies using various different survey instruments have suggested some variability in the prevalence of symptoms between nations. However, there is a lack of studies which assess and compare the prevalence of upper gastrointestinal symptoms contemporaneously in various countries using a uniform, standardised method.

Aim: To determine the prevalence of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) symptoms in 13 European countries, and the association between socioeconomic factors and symptoms using a standardised method.

Potentially avoidable surgery in inflammatory bowel disease: what proportion of patients come to resection without optimal preoperative therapy? A guidelines-based audit.

Background: Recently, promulgated inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) guidelines seek to decrease the need for surgery by improving disease control. However, resection rates remain static.

Aims: We therefore sought to determine the proportion of patients coming to surgery where preoperative management was not optimal according to guidelines.

Management of reflux symptoms with over-the-counter proton pump inhibitors: issues and proposed guidelines.

Background: Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux are widely prevalent. There is a continuum between subjects with mild reflux symptoms and those severely affected by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Both groups may at times access over-the-counter (OTC) therapies.

Failed therapy and directions for the future in dyspepsia.

Functional gastrointestinal disorders including functional dyspepsia are highly prevalent. Their clinical course is benign without disease-associated mortality. On the other hand, the impact can be substantial for the affected patients with regard to the decrease of quality of life, and for society with regard to the economical implications.