Top stories in gastroenterology: Capsule accurate for detecting hydrogen in gut, microbiome may hinger weight loss

Among the top stories in gastroenterology is a swallowable capsule that more accurately detected gas in the gut than breath tests.

Another top story was research that found that a gut microbiota with an increased capability for carbohydrate and metabolism was associated with a decrease in weight loss in patients with obesity and overweight. Other top stories include analyses that revealed that patients with complicated diverticulitis are at increased risk for developing colorectal cancer, obesity increases the risk for infection after colorectal surgery, and patients and doctors differ on priorities before and after colorectal surgery.

Capsule more accurate than breath test for detecting hydrogen in gut

A swallowable capsule more accurately detected gas in the gut than breath tests, the current standard used to diagnose several gastrointestinal disorders, according to research published in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics. Read More.

Microbiome may hinder weight loss in adults with obesity

A gut microbiota with an increased capability for carbohydrate metabolism was associated with a decrease in weight loss in patients with obesity and overweight and underwent a 3-month comprehensive lifestyle intervention program, according to results of a pilot study. Read more.

Complicated diverticulitis increases risk for colorectal cancer

Patients with complicated diverticulitis are six times more likely to develop colorectal cancer than patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Read More.

Obesity increases infection risks after colorectal surgery

BMI serves as an independent risk factor for many adverse 30-day postoperative outcomes among patients with obesity who undergo colorectal surgery, according to results from a retrospective study. Read More.

Patients, doctors differ on priorities before, after colorectal surgery

The factors and outcomes that physicians prioritize before and after colorectal surgery do not match up with those deemed important by patients, according to research published in Diseases of the Colon & Rectum. Read More.