CHICAGO More precancerous polyps were found in colonoscopies performed with deep sedation than with milder sedation in which patients remained conscious, a researcher reported here.

TORONTO Adding an antiviral drug to standard hepatitis C therapy shortened the treatment time and increased response rates, two studies found.

WHEELING, W.Va. Patients with hepatitis C infection are more likely to die from the condition if they also suffer from one or more components of metabolic syndrome, a researcher said.

MILWAUKEE Patients with gastrointestinal bleeding who are admitted to the hospital on weekends have higher mortality rates than weekday patients, researchers here said.

NIJMEGEN, The Netherlands For treating dyspepsia, it doesn't seem to matter much whether antacids or proton pump inhibitors are the initial choice, found a randomized trial.