[Importance of functional diagnostics in gastroenterology]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Digestive Health
• Diagnostic Medicine

Background:

• Gastrointestinal functional diagnostics encompass a range of tests to assess digestive system health.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for managing various gastrointestinal disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review important and frequently used investigation methods for gastrointestinal functional diagnostics.
• To explain rarely used special investigations and their applications.

Main Methods:

• Hydrogen breath tests for malabsorption and bacterial colonization.
• 13C urea breath test for H. pylori and gastrointestinal transit.
• Scintigraphy, capsule studies, and manometry for motility and functional disorders.
• 24-h pH-metry and impedance for reflux disease.

Main Results:

• Breath tests are versatile for malabsorption, bacterial overgrowth, and transit time.
• Non-invasive stool elastase is an alternative to secretin-cholecystokinin tests for pancreatic insufficiency.
• Manometry is essential for esophageal motility disorders.
• pH-metry and impedance aid in diagnosing reflux disease.

Conclusions:

• Established methods like breath tests, manometry, and pH-metry are vital for gastrointestinal diagnostics.
• Emerging techniques require further validation before widespread clinical adoption.