[Studies of pre- and post-prandial abdominal sounds using an electronic analyzer]

In 9 healthy persons abdominal sounds were analysed when fasting and over a period of 155 min after a meal containing 100 g of maltose or starch. Measurements included acoustical power in the following frequency-bands: 100-200 cps, 200-400 cps, 400-600 cps, 100-600 cps. In order to avoid disturbances due to variations in bowel-sounds energy-determinations were extended to 15 min. Uptake of carbohydrate meals was evaluated from serum glucose levels. During fasting measured powers were relatively low and reproducible. After eating there was a significant increase. Changes were more pronounced after starch, which required prior to intestinal uptake amylolytic degradation. After maltose, which is the principal absorbable degradation product of starch, increases were measureable in higher frequencies. Acoustical power at 100-200 cps was unchanged. We conclude that measurement of acoustical power at various frequencies can provide sensitive informations on processes related to movements in the abdominal cavity.