title: Intestinal manometry: who needs it?
abstract: The use of manometry, i.e. the recording of pressures within hollow viscera, after being successfully applied to the study of esophageal and anorectal motor dysfunctions, has also been used to investigate physiological and pathological conditions of the small bowel. By means of this technique, it has been possible to understand better the normal motor functions of the small intestine, and their relationship and variations following physiologic events, such as food ingestion. Moreover, intestinal manometry has proved useful to document motor abnormalities of the small bowel, although recognition of altered patterns specific for a determinate pathologic condition is still unavailable. However, this technique often permits the detection of abnormal gut motility in patients with abdominal symptoms such as unexplained vomiting and diarrhea, and it is sometimes also useful to address therapeutic targeting.
authors.affiliation: Gastroenterology & Hepatology Section, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia Medical School, Perugia, Italy.
authors.forename: Gabrio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bassotti
authors.affiliation: Gastroenterology & Hepatology Section, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia Medical School, Perugia, Italy.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bologna
authors.affiliation: Gastroenterology & Hepatology Section, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia Medical School, Perugia, Italy.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ottaviani
authors.affiliation: Gastroenterology Section, Perugia General Hospital, Perugia, Italy.
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Russo
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Sassari, Italy ; Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: Maria Pina
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Dore
keywords: Intestinal; Manometry; Motility; Myopathy; Neuropathy