Symposium addresses new techniques, treatments for GI disorders
New technologies and techniques in the comprehensive treatment of gastrointestinal disorders was the focus of BUSM’s 22nd Annual Smithwick Symposium.
At the daylong symposium, experts from BU Medical Campus and the Lahey Clinic addressed topics that included the latest techniques in colon and rectal surgery, new medical treatments for irritable bowel syndrome and advances in colonoscopy.
Francis Farraye, MD, MSc, co-director of the Dempsey Center for Digestive Disorders at BMC and professor of medicine at BUSM, and James Becker, MD, surgeon-in-chief at BMC and James Utley Professor of Surgery at BUSM, presented on the medical and surgical treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. They emphasized the importance of coordinated care as well as the new medications and surgical techniques that have significantly improved the quality of life for patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, which are forms of inflammatory bowel disease.
Additionally, new minimally invasive techniques were discussed to treat esophageal disease and morbid obesity (gastric bypass).
More than 170 were registered for the symposium, which was presented by BUSM’s Department of Continuing Medical Education.
The Smithwick Symposium was established in 1986 in honor of Reginald Smithwick, MD, former professor and chairman of the Division of Surgery (1946-65) at BUSM.
