12th Annual Georgetown Meeting on Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Foregut & Pancreatobiliary Surgery

Pancreatic cysts are being detected with increasing frequency due to advances, and rising use of, imaging technology. A recent study suggests that only 2% of cysts are malignant at diagnosis. Clinicians are faced with the task of identifying those cysts with high malignant potential as early as possible while limiting unnecessary surgery. Current guidelines take a very cautious approach that result in unnecessary morbidity. Newer testing modalities using molecular analysis have been shown to help determine the malignant potential and improve management of these cysts.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a known cause of Barrett’s Esophagus, which is a known precursor to esophageal cancer.  Barrett’s esophagus is present in up to 2% of the U.S. population, and its prevalence is increasing. Effective understanding of the management of Barrett’s Esophagus and the corresponding decrease in the incidence of esophageal cancer is an important part of the current gastroenterology practice.

The microbiome is one of the most important frontiers in medicine today for practicing gastroenterologists. Learn more about the relationship between microbial health and conditions like IBD and celiac disease; get updated on emerging therapies for C. diff; explore integrative approaches to diagnosing and managing SIBO; and become familiar with state of the art testing for microbial imbalance. Our expert faculty will discuss the latest research and guidelines and provide practical tools for managing patients with dysbiosis.

This one-day symposium will address state-of-the-art multidisciplinary management and care of difficult and complicated disorders such as pancreatobiliary, esophageal and other gastrointestinal diseases. The optimal method to diagnose and treat these problems requires a multimodality approach. Perspectives from endoscopy, pathology, surgery, medical oncology, radiation medicine, genetic assessment and counseling of “high-risk” patients will be presented.