Primary care for women. Comprehensive assessment of gastrointestinal disorders

This article summarizes the anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal system, reviews physiologic changes that occur with normal development, and discusses considerations for the primary care provider in gathering health history information and conducting the physical exam. The use of diagnostic testing during the evaluation of women with gastrointestinal complaints is reviewed. A case study is used to illustrate an integrated approach to diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal disorders of women in the primary care setting.