By Olivia Harris

Gastrointestinal tract disorders refer to a wide spectrum of medical conditions that affect the organs and structures involved in the digestion and absorption of food. The gastrointestinal tract, often referred to as the digestive system, comprises the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum and anus. Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract can lead to abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting and gastrointestinal bleeding. Some common gastrointestinal tract disorders are gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, gastritis, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and colorectal cancer. The diagnostic process for such disorder may involve a combination of patient history assessment, physical examination, laboratory tests, endoscopy, colonoscopy and tissue biopsies. These diagnostic tools help identify the underlying cause and determine the most appropriate treatment approach. This book contains some path-breaking studies on gastrointestinal tract disorders. It will provide comprehensive knowledge to the readers.