Small intestinal motility

To review recently published studies presenting novel and relevant information on small intestinal motility.

The reviewed studies covered a variety of topics with several themes emerging. Our understanding of the influence of systemic disorders, intestinal and extraintestinal infections and enteric bacteria on digestive motor function continues to involve. Elegant and important new studies have been published that better define the physiology of intestinal gas handling along with the genesis of symptoms commonly attributed to excessive intestinal gas. While interest in small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in irritable bowel syndrome continues, the utility and specificity of lactulose hydrogen breath testing is yet again questioned and further data are needed before the practice of routinely prescribing antibiotics to patients with irritable bowel syndrome can be endorsed.

Small intestinal motility remains an understudied area. Recent publications provide additional new information related to physiology and pathophysiology of small bowel motility. These findings should be of interest to clinician and investigator alike.