Growth in the field of gastroenterology and hepatology is exponential and
inexorable. Not only has it provided the scientific basis for how we manage
our patients, but it also has brought with it a problem: an ever-expanding
wealth of information that needs clarification. There are several important
large tomes dedicated to diseases of the gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary
system. Information in these is encyclopedic and not readily synthesized into
the practice of medicine or as a learning experience for trainees. To answer
this need, a multi-authored text, First Principles of Gastroenterology, was
first brought out five years ago and then revised three years ago. It provided
valuable information for students, residents and practicing physicians, be
they internists, hepatologists or gastroenterologists. It was also unique, having
both English-speaking and French-speaking contributors and being published
in both languages. A first!
The text has been an overwhelming success, with extremely positive
feedback from physicians and academic centers. Because of this and the
opportunity to “do better,” a third edition was born. The second edition introduced an
important section on pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition, greatly
extended topics on HIV disease and inflammatory bowel disease, a multi-authored
approach to liver disease and, most important, an update. This third edition
has continued the extensive revisions and updates, and includes an important
new section on bowel ischemia. Many talented authorities from across
Canada have contributed to this edition. New section leaders were used in some
sections, and other new authors have been brought in. The learning objectives
lists have been further revised and standardized. More figures have been
added to illustrate and clarify the text. We have aimed at making this work
attractive and worthwhile to a broad spectrum of readers from a variety of
disciplines and with different levels of experience.
Work on this text has truly reached from sea to sea, and is both Canadian
and canadien. Medicine unites and this book is also meant to unite our hearts
and minds as we care for the patients to whom many of us dedicate our lives
in service.
The editors wish to acknowledge the generous sponsorship by Astra
Pharma Inc., particularly Mr. Peter Dixon for his unstinting efforts. We also
recognize the valued contributions by graduate medical students, fellows training
in gastroenterology and members of the Canadian Association of
Gastroenterology. The renewal process is perpetual. In our constant ideal to establish
excellence, we are going "electronic," on the web, on CD-ROM, with video
footage. With this site, we'll soon be interactive.
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