Small intestinal motility and transit in disease

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Neurogastroenterology
• Small Intestinal Physiology

Background:

• Small intestinal motility and transit disorders are increasingly recognized.
• Neuropathic and myopathic forms are usually distinguishable.
• Clinicians can identify gut disease secondary to generalized neuromuscular disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the growing recognition of small intestinal motility disorders.
• To emphasize the need for improved diagnostic methods.
• To discuss current and future therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

• Clinical identification of neuropathic and myopathic disorders.
• Diagnosis of secondary gut disease.
• Review of current treatment modalities.

Main Results:

• Neuropathic and myopathic forms are typically separable.
• Secondary gut disease can be identified.
• Current treatments include nutritional support, motor function enhancement, and surgical resection.

Conclusions:

• Better non-invasive diagnostic methods are needed to improve management.
• Current treatments are ineffective in the most severe cases.
• Future therapies may involve enhanced understanding of enteric neural control, novel drugs, or electrical pacing.