GI Insights - Issue One
Latest Clinical News and Updates
- The hold all GLP-1 agonists prior to endoscopy movement is slowly changing to an individualized risk-based decision model based on symptoms, diabetes control, and procedure type model. 24-hour clear liquid diet is emerging as a practical work around in many sites nationwide. This is based on RCT level data. Mult society GI and anesthesia guidelines published late 2025 are available (CGH 2025; 23: 2083-85). This landscape is constantly evolving. Work with your anesthesia providers to optimize your practice before implementing your own rules.
- There is an emerging signal that GLP-1 agonists may reduce colorectal cancer risk. This data ,from the TriNetX database, was presented at ASCO 2026. Further research is needed to substantiate this trend.
- There is an increasing trend to use point of care gastric ultrasound to determine if there is a full stomach prior to anesthesia (Anesth Analg 2026; 142:640-49). We have seen this used at RWJUH. This may be an increasing useful trend!
Rutgers Faculty Spotlight
Ellen Stein, MD joined the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital New Brunswick as Director
of Motility in 2021. The motility nursing team has expanded to 6 motility
nurses trained in patient-friendly care and the latest motility testing
techniques. The Rutgers Gastroenterology motility-focused team includes
Dr. Stein, Svetlana Jayson - lead Nurse Practitioner, experienced schedulers
and nursing clinical support.
Read more
Meet Our Providers
- Jiten H. Desai, MD
- Devjit S. Nayar, MD
- Adesola O. Oje, MD
- Michelle Shah, DO
- Scott C. Ventre, DO
- Jay M. Zelinski, DO
GI Research
Dr Keerthana Kesavarapu runs a subspecialty GI clinic for patients with cystic fibrosis. She has recruited a multi-center randomized control trial to Rutgers evaluating a new simple pancreas enzyme replacement regimen and formula for CF patients. The current regimen used in clinical practice is burdensome and may lead to nonadherence. This trial has the potential to help patients with CF with pancreas insufficiency. If you are caring for a CF patient with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency please reach out to Dr Kesavarapu.
Dr Arvind Trindade has started a new prospective clinical trial evaluating the utility of pancreas cyst fluid biomarkers in conjunction with CEA and glucose. If you have a patient with a pancreas cyst larger than 15 mm, your patient may be eligible.
The Second Annual SAGE – Save the Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
7 a.m. | Registration • 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Program
Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center
165 Somerset Street - First Floor Conference Center
New Brunswick, NJ
Join leading experts in digestive health for our 2nd annual full day of education and networking for physicians, nurses, trainees and technicians.
The activity is accredited for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM and ANCC nursing contact hours.
Jointly Provided by RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Health.
RWJBH Medical Group Community Procedure Highlights
Expanding access to advanced gastrointestinal (GI) services within our community medical group practices marks an exciting step forward in patient-centered care. By introducing office-based procedures, we are bringing convenient, high-quality diagnostics and treatments directly to the communities we serve—reducing the need for hospital visits and improving the overall patient experience.
Hemorrhoidal banding is a quick, effective, and minimally invasive solution for patients suffering from symptomatic hemorrhoids. Performed right in the office, this procedure offers rapid relief with minimal downtime, allowing patients to return to their daily routines almost immediately. It’s a simple intervention that can make a meaningful difference in comfort and quality of life.
Capsule endoscopy represents a major advancement in non-invasive GI imaging. With just a swallow of a small, pill-sized camera, patients can undergo a comprehensive evaluation of the small intestine without the need for sedation or invasive scopes. This technology enhances our ability to detect and diagnose conditions earlier while prioritizing patient comfort and convenience.
What’s to come: Point-of-care (POC) ultrasound further elevates our diagnostic capabilities in real time. By integrating bedside imaging into routine visits, providers can quickly assess abdominal concerns, guide clinical decisions, and initiate timely treatment plans—all within a single appointment.
Together, these services reflect our commitment to innovation, accessibility, and exceptional care. Offering these procedures in our community practices ensures that patients receive advanced GI care close to home, in a familiar and trusted setting.
Priority Access Colonoscopy
Expert care, fewer steps, earlier screening.
Direct scheduling with leading gastroenterology specialists - for eligible patients.