Get Ready for Your 'Capsule Robot' Colon Cancer Check

MONDAY, May 8, 2017 -- Not looking forward to your next colonoscopy? Don't worry -- in the future, a tiny capsule less than an inch long may navigate your colon to check for cancer risk, scientists report.

Researchers at Nashville's Vanderbilt University Medical Center used magnets to guide the tethered "capsule robot" through a pig's colon.

Arthritis Drug Shows Promise for Ulcerative Colitis

WEDNESDAY, May 3, 2017 -- A new study finds that people with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis who haven't done well on other treatments may find relief with Xeljanz (tofacitinib), a drug currently used to treat arthritis.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. It affects about 700,000 Americans, according to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation (CCF).

Delay a Needed Colonoscopy at Your Own Risk

TUESDAY, April 25, 2017 -- People who wait too long to get a colonoscopy after a "positive" screening test for colon cancer may face a heightened risk of the disease, a new study finds.

The study asked a fundamental question: If a stool test suggests someone might have cancer, how long can someone safely wait to have a colonoscopy? Colonoscopy is a procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end to allow your doctor to see inside your colon.

Is Surgery Always Necessary for Gallstones?

FRIDAY, April 7, 2017 -- Gallbladder removal may not always necessary for gallstone pancreatitis, a new study suggests.

Gallstone pancreatitis occurs when one or more gallstones gets stuck in a duct in the pancreas. This blocks pancreatic enzymes from leaving the pancreas and traveling to the small intestine to aid in digestion. When those enzymes back up into the pancreas, it causes inflammation and pain, according to the American College of Gastroenterology.

New Meds Make Inroads Against Crohn's Disease

THURSDAY, April 13, 2017 -- Fewer Americans with Crohn's disease are ending up in the hospital than in the past, according to a new federal study.

Crohn's is a chronic inflammatory bowel disorder that often leads to surgery for most with the disease.

Many Dialysis Patients Get Unnecessary Colonoscopies

FRIDAY, March 24, 2017 -- Older Americans on kidney dialysis have high rates of colonoscopy screening for colon cancer, but most get little benefit from the screening, a new study suggests.

Dialysis patients have high rates of death, so routine colon cancer screening doesn't improve survival for most dialysis patients who don't qualify for a kidney transplant.