[Value of intestinal manometry in gastrointestinal pathology]

Small intestinal manometry is a relatively simple technique. However, its use is usually limited to very few centers and mainly related to research studies.

To report our experience with small intestinal motility studies in a group of normal controls and patients with symptoms suggesting a gastrointestinal motor disorder.

Seventy three studies were performed in 71 subjects: 18 asymptomatic controls and 55 patients presenting with symptoms characterized by abdominal pain, vomiting, bloating, constipation and diarrhea. In 33 patients the same symptoms remained without diagnosis, in spite of extensive laboratory studies. In 10 of these, dilated small intestinal loops were observed and intestinal pseudoobstruction was suspected. Twenty two additional patients with systemic disorders such as scleroderma, diabetes and previous vagotomies, were studied. Motility was assessed by means of perfused catheters connected to external transducers for a mean lapse of 280 min.

An abnormal pattern of small intestinal motility suggesting neuropathic, myopathic or a mixed disorder was observed in 76% of all studied patients, with the exception of patients with scleroderma, in whom only myopathic and mixed alterations were observed. In 82% of patients, the results of manometry were useful for the management of the clinical condition.

Small intestinal manometry is a relatively simple technique that, when used in selected groups of patients, provides useful information for clinical management.