Inflammatory bowel disease and familial adenomatous polyposis:

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) are complex diseases, which the medical profession must face up to. Despite increased knowledge on the pathophysiological process, many aspects remain rather unclear, especially concerning IBD. In the near future, the aim will be to prevent these disorders and their sequelae through early detection and early intervention (for example genetic therapy). Unfortunately, we are still dealing with young patients with a lifelong disease course, leading to early morbidity (and in some cases mortality) and extended needs for medical treatment, with a consequent decrease in quality of life. IBD and FAP represent a challenge for a multidisciplinary medical approach where different personnel play major roles in different stages of the patient's treatment. This book represents the first action of the Rosa Gallo Foundation (a young lady affected by FAP, who died after multiorgan transplantation for intra-abdominal desmoid tumour) to improve management of this difficult condition, collecting and critically reviewing the many recent advancements on these topics. It is a reference not only for expert but also for all physicians who care for IBD and FAP patients. Book jacket.