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Research-informed health explainers

Plain-language guides to conditions, treatments, and medications — each one grounded in peer-reviewed research from the specialists in our directory.

9 articles in Gastroenterology

GastroenterologyApr 11, 2026

Chronic Pancreatitis vs Pancreatic Cancer: Pain Differences

Learn the key differences in pain patterns between chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer — location, triggers, timing, and when to seek urgent evaluation.

Santhi Vege, M.D. · Tyler Stevens, M.D. · Vikesh Singh, M.D., M.S. · Michael Goggins, M.D.

GastroenterologyApr 11, 2026

Colonoscopy vs Cologuard: Which Screening Is Right for You?

Colonoscopy and Cologuard both screen for colorectal cancer, but they work differently and suit different patients. Here's what the evidence says about each.

Seth Sweetser, MD · Dayna Early, MD · Sameer Saini, M.D. · Juan Carlos Bucobo, M.D.

GastroenterologyApr 11, 2026

ERCP vs EUS: Which Procedure Do You Need?

Plain-language comparison of ERCP and EUS for pancreatic and bile duct problems — what each does, when doctors choose one over the other, and what the research shows.

Robert Hawes, MD · Mark Topazian, M.D. · Muhammad Hasan, MD · Michael Kochman, MD

GastroenterologyApr 11, 2026

EUS vs CT-Guided Biopsy for Pancreatic Mass: Key Differences

EUS-guided vs CT-guided biopsy for pancreatic masses: diagnostic accuracy, needle seeding risk, staging advantage, and when CT guidance is the better choice.

Robert Hawes, MD · Michael Kochman, MD · Dayna Early, MD · Muhammad Hasan, MD

GastroenterologyApr 11, 2026

Gastric Emptying Scan vs Wireless Capsule: Key Differences

Gastric emptying scan vs wireless capsule motility testing compared on accuracy, convenience, and what each test reveals about your digestive system.

Thomas Abell, MD · Linda Anh Nguyen, M.D. · Prashanthi Thota, MD · Allen Lee, M.D.

GastroenterologyApr 11, 2026

NASH vs Alcohol Cirrhosis: Transplant Outcomes Compared

How do NASH cirrhosis and alcohol-related cirrhosis compare for liver transplant outcomes? Evidence from OPTN/SRTR registry data and expert hepatologists.

Allison Kwong, MD · Mary Rinella, MD · Vijay Shah, M.D. · Sammy Saab, MD

GastroenterologyApr 11, 2026

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction vs. Motility Disorder: How Doctors Tell Them Apart

Pelvic floor dysfunction and GI motility disorders share symptoms but need different treatments. Learn how gastroenterologists distinguish them with anorectal manometry, balloon testing, and defecography.

Michael Camilleri, M.D. · Anthony Lembo, M.D. · Karthik Ravi, MD · John Blackett, MD · Eric Shah, M.D., M.B.A.

GastroenterologyApr 11, 2026

Risankizumab vs Ustekinumab for Crohn's Disease

Evidence-based comparison of risankizumab and ustekinumab for Crohn's disease, covering mechanism, trial data, safety, and when each is preferred.

Edward Loftus, M.D. · Stephen Hanauer, MD · Ellen Scherl, MD · William Faubion, M.D.

GastroenterologyApr 11, 2026

Walled-off pancreatic necrosis: endoscopy vs surgery

Endoscopic drainage now outperforms surgery for most walled-off pancreatic necrosis cases. See what the trials show, when surgery is still needed, and what to ask your doctor.

Mark Topazian, M.D. · Muhammad Hasan, MD · Irving Waxman, MD · Santhi Vege, M.D.