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Published on: July 26, 2024
Intestinal and anorectal motility and functional disorders
1Department of Internal Medicine, Israelitic Hospital, Hamburg, Germany. keller@ik-h.de
Best Practice & Research. Clinical Gastroenterology
|June 10, 2009
Summary
Chronic gastrointestinal motility disorders, including diarrhea and constipation, often require specialized diagnostic tests. This review discusses the role of gastrointestinal function tests in diagnosing and managing these conditions in adults.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Digestive System Physiology
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Motility and functional disorders of the small intestine, colon, and anorectum can cause symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain.
- Severe cases may lead to impaired nutrient absorption.
- Acute intestinal functional issues, often from infections, typically resolve without specific functional diagnostics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diagnostic and therapeutic applications of gastrointestinal function tests for chronic motility and sensitivity disturbances.
- To focus on the role of these tests in managing severe intestinal dysmotility, chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction, severe constipation, diarrhea, fecal incontinence, and irritable bowel syndrome in adults.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on the utility of gastrointestinal function tests.
- Discussion of diagnostic and therapeutic roles in adult patients.
Main Results:
- Chronic disturbances in intestinal, colonic, and anorectal motility and/or sensitivity warrant gastrointestinal function testing.
- These tests are crucial for diagnosing and guiding treatment for various functional bowel disorders.
Conclusions:
- Gastrointestinal function tests are essential for managing chronic motility and sensitivity disorders of the digestive tract in adults.
- Effective diagnosis and management of conditions like IBS, chronic constipation, and fecal incontinence rely on these specialized tests.
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