Gastroenterology: Basic and Clinical Aspects - Advanced Series in Modern Medicine

Author: Ge Zhizheng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-10-01
Features: The small intestine is the longest part of the digestive tract, with an average adult length of 5-7 meters. It is the primary site for food digestion and absorption, and also possesses endocrine and immune defense functions. However, due to its winding and overlapping course, as well as its distance from the mouth and anus, the clinical diagnosis of small intestinal diseases poses significant challenges. Some patients with unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding, despite repeated examinations, remain undiagnosed. The repeated bleeding, hospitalizations, and blood transfusions impose a heavy economic and psychological burden on patients, severely impacting their quality of life. Patients with small intestinal malignancies often miss the opportunity for surgical treatment due to late diagnosis, while many patients with vascular or inflammatory lesions undergo unnecessary exploratory surgeries. Therefore, improving the diagnosis and treatment of small intestinal diseases is one of the important challenges we face. In light of this, based on our practical experience in clinical work and combined with the latest research progress both domestically and internationally, we systematically elaborate on the basic functions of the small intestine, common small intestinal diseases, and diagnostic techniques for small intestinal diseases. The aim is to help clinicians deepen their understanding of small intestinal diseases, optimize the examination process for patients, and thereby improve the diagnosis and treatment of small intestinal diseases.