News Archive

30 December 2009
Recent Decline In Colon Cancer

A recent report from the National Cancer Institute reveals that rates of colon cancer, also referred to as colorectal cancer, has declined over the last several years.   Screening techniques, such as screening colonoscopy, are the cause cited by the report. "This report shows that we have begun to make progress reducing colorectal cancer. Yet, colorectal cancer still kills more people than any other cancer except lung cancer... and improved colorectal cancer screening can prevent colorectal cancer." The report found that both the number of colon cancers and the number of deaths from colon cancer has been reduced.   At Digestive and Liver Specialists, this merely reinforces what we have known for years: getting a screening colonoscopy can save your life

  COLE THOMSON, M.D., Ph.D.
  PARTNER AND PHYSICIAN

07 December 2009
Combining Plavix with Other Medications

There has recently been a great deal of concern about problems arising from combination of Plavix and acid inhibiting medications such as Nexium, Protonix, Aciphex, Prilosec, Kapidex, Zegerid and Prevacid. Recently published work (Lancet 2009 Sep 19) suggests that this is not a concern, and that patients should take both Plavix and one of these other medications if they are indicated. As always, please ask your doctor if you have any questions.

  COLE THOMSON, M.D., Ph.D.
  PARTNER AND PHYSICIAN

08 November 2009
Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy:

One of the main concerns patients often have in getting ready for a colonoscopy is the laxative that needs to be taken prior to the procedure.

Our experience at Digestive and Liver Specialists (Dr. Flax, Dr. Herman, Dr. Dorsch, Dr. Mauk, Dr. Thomson and Dr. Nguyen) has been that this is the part of the experience that is most likely to be difficult for patients. A good “prep” is also a crucial factor in obtaining a thorough examination of the colon during the colonoscopy. We use a number of different regimens that we tailor to the needs of the patient, and our nurses are very experienced in counseling patients on ways to take the prep with the least discomfort and best success. Patients often request particular bowel preparations that they have used in the past or have heard were effective and easy to take. While we always attempt to accommodate these requests, it is important to note that some products containing sodium phosphate have been found to cause severe kidney problems, including kidney failure. We strictly limit or completely avoid these products. Since it is not always clear which bowel preparations include this ingredient, we ask that you do not substitute products.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns regarding the preparation for your colonoscopy.

  COLE THOMSON, M.D., Ph.D.
  PARTNER AND PHYSICIAN

10 August 2009
The safety of taking Plavix

Recent scientific papers and news reports have raised issues about the safety of taking Plavix (also known as clopidogrel) with certain medications used to treat heartburn. While studies have not been done to definitively demonstrate a problem, the preliminary evidence is concerning. If you are on a heartburn medication and Plavix, we urge you to speak with one of our physicians, your cardiologist, or your primary care physician to discuss this issue prior to making any changes in your medicine. Not all medications have been shown to be a problem, and stopping a medicine without talking to your physician can have serious consequences. There are other good options for treatment that can provide relief from the painful symptoms of heartburn, so you shouldn’t feel that you would be left to suffer.

  COLE THOMSON, M.D., Ph.D.
  PARTNER AND PHYSICIAN