Ambulatory small intestinal manometry. Detailed comparison of duodenal and jejunal motor activity in healthy man

Clinical significance of small bowel manometry patterns suggestive of intestinal obstruction

INTRODUCTION

Minute rhythm and prolonged simultaneous contractions are patterns of postprandial small bowel contractile activity that historically have been considered as suggestive of mechanical intestinal obstruction; however, these patterns have been also encountered in patients with motility-like symptoms in the absence of bowel obstruction. The objective of this study was to determine the current diagnostic outcome of patients with these intestinal manometry patterns.

METHODS

Retrospective study of patients with chronic digestive symptoms evaluated by intestinal manometry at our center between 2010 and 2018.

RESULTS

The minute rhythm (MRP) or prolonged simultaneous contractions (PSC) postprandial patterns were detected in 61 of 488 patients (55 MRP and 6 PSC). Clinical work-up detected a previously non-diagnosed partial mechanical obstruction of the distal intestine in 10 (16%) and a systemic disorder causing intestinal neuropathy in 32 (53%). In the remaining 19 patients (31%, all with MRP), the origin of the contractile pattern was undetermined, but in 16, substantial fecal retention was detected within 7 days of the manometric procedure by abdominal imaging, and in 6 of them colonic cleansing completely normalized intestinal motility on a second manometry performed within 39 ± 30 days.

CONCLUSION AND INFERENCE

Currently, the most frequent origin of MRP and PSC encountered on small bowel manometry is intestinal neuropathy, while a previously undetected mechanical obstruction is rare. Still, in a substantial proportion of patients, no underlying disease can be identified, and in them, colonic fecal retention might play a role, because in a subgroup of these patients, manometry normalized after colonic cleansing. Hence, colonic preparation may be considered prior to intestinal manometry.

Enhancing the utility of antroduodenal manometry in pediatric intestinal pseudo-obstruction

BACKGROUND

Antroduodenal manometry (ADM) and histopathology are currently employed to aid the diagnosis of pediatric intestinal pseudo-obstruction (PIPO). Limited data are available on the reliability of ADM analysis and its correlation with histopathology. We aimed to develop a protocol for enhanced analysis of ADM contractile patterns, including a scoring system, and explore whether this provided better correlation with histopathology.

METHODS

Children referred with suspected PIPO between April 2012-December 2019 who underwent both ADM and full-thickness biopsies were included. ADM tracings were analyzed using both standard (conventional ADM) and novel (enhanced ADM) motility parameters. A novel ADM score (GLASS score) was generated based on the enhanced ADM analysis. Conventional and enhanced ADM analyses were then correlated with histopathology.

RESULTS

Forty patients were included. Using conventional clinical criteria, 29 of these were diagnosed with PIPO and the other 11 with non-PIPO diagnoses. Twenty-three of the PIPO patients had abnormal histopathology: 6 myopathy, 4 neuropathy, 3 neuro-myopathy, and 10 non-specific changes. No agreement in diagnosis was found between conventional ADM analysis and histopathology (ϰ = 0.068; p = 0.197), whereas the latter significantly correlated with enhanced ADM analysis (ϰ = 0.191; p = 0.003). The enhanced ADM score was significantly higher in PIPO versus non-PIPO (16.0 vs. 8.0; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

As opposed to conventional analysis protocols, the newly developed enhanced ADM analysis and associated score is not only able to discriminate between PIPO and non-PIPO patients, but also between distinct histopathological pathologies. Further studies are required to assess the utility of enhanced ADM analysis in larger populations.

A single-center audit of the indications and clinical impact of prolonged ambulatory small intestinal manometry

BACKGROUND

Small bowel manometry is a diagnostic test available only in a few specialized referral centers. Its exact place in the management of refractory symptoms is controversial.

METHODS

The records of all patients who underwent 24-hour ambulatory duodenojejunal manometry over a 6-year period were retrospectively reviewed. We studied the clinical indications for small bowel manometry, and reviewed the impact of manometric findings on the clinical outcome. One hundred and forty-six studies were performed in 137 patients (46M, 91F) with a mean age of 44.9 ± 15.7 years. Mean follow-up duration was 15.1 ± 22.6 months. Appropriate endoscopic, radiological and gastric scintigraphy studies were performed in all patients prior to small bowel manometry. Criteria for abnormal motor activity were based on Bharucha's classification.

KEY RESULTS

The indications for small bowel manometry were chronic abdominal pain (n = 43), slow-transit constipation (n = 17), refractory gastroparesis (n = 16), chronic diarrhea (n = 7), recurrent episodes of subocclusion (n = 16), postsurgical evaluation (n = 36), suspicion of gut involvement in systemic disease (n = 9), and unexplained nausea (n = 2). The most common finding was a normal 24-hour ambulatory small bowel manometry (n = 113). Thirty-three studies yielded abnormal findings which included extrinsic neuropathy (n = 6), intrinsic neuropathy (n = 18), intestinal myopathy (n = 2), and subocclusion (n = 7). Ambulatory small bowel manometry excluded a generalized motility disorder in 77% and had a significant impact on the subsequent clinical course in 23%.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Ambulatory small bowel manometry is a useful and safe diagnostic tool to complement traditional investigative modalities in patients with severe unexplained abdominal symptoms.

Comparison of pH and motility of the small intestine of healthy subjects and patients with symptomatic constipation using the wireless motility capsule

Gastrointestinal luminal pH shows a rise from the duodenum to the terminal ileum in healthy individuals. Our objectives were to compare the pH in the proximal small intestine (SI) (first 60 min of small intestinal transit) lumen of human volunteers and patients with symptomatic constipation; to quantify contractile pressure profiles of the proximal SI, and to assess the relationship between luminally-recorded contractile pressure and small intestinal transit times (SITT) of a non-disintegrating capsule that measures pH and pressure activity (wireless motility capsule). We used previously acquired records from 39 healthy subjects and 41 patients with symptomatic constipation. Mean pH (±SD) of the proximal SI was similar in healthy subjects and patients with constipation at 6.2 (±0.6) and 6.3 (±0.4), respectively. In 13 of the healthy subjects, pH did not rise uniformly in the proximal SI though the pH_median was 6.0 (5th, 95th percentiles 3.09, 7.06) and the pH fluctuated over a mean period of 28 min. Large inter-individual variability in frequency of pressure activity (Ct) and area under pressure curve (AUC) were observed in the proximal SI of healthy subjects and patients with constipation. Median AUC was 3996 mmHg s^-1 (5th, 95th percentiles 948, 16866 mmHg s^-1) in these two populations combined. Ct and AUC showed a strong direct linear correlation at r = 0.91, p < 1 × 10^-6. An inverse correlation (suggesting longer SITT with lower pressure activity) was observed between Ct/AUC and SITT in both healthy subjects and patients with symptomatic constipation. The pooled results for both groups showed: AUC and SITT correlation at r = -0.49, p < 1 × 10^-6. We concluded that both the frequency and amplitude of contractions in the proximal SI are important for the propagation of non-disintegrating capsules. The observed pH fluctuations in the proximal SI may impact supersaturation and precipitation of weakly basic drugs.

Factors predicting through-the-scope gastroduodenal stenting outcomes in patients with gastric outlet obstruction: a large multicenter retrospective study in West Japan

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Endoscopic gastroduodenal stenting for malignant gastric outlet obstruction recently has become more effective, but the factors that predict gastroduodenal stenting outcomes are poorly defined. This multicenter retrospective cohort study evaluated the clinical outcomes of gastroduodenal stenting in malignant gastroduodenal obstruction and identified factors predicting clinical ineffectiveness, stent dysfunction, and adverse events.

METHODS

All consecutive patients with malignant gastroduodenal obstruction who underwent through-the-scope gastroduodenal stenting from 2009 to 2014 at 4 tertiary-care medical centers were identified. Clinically ineffective stenting was defined as symptom recurrence and a gastric outlet obstruction scoring system (GOOSS) score <2.

RESULTS

Of the 278 patients (mean age ± standard deviation [SD] 71.7 ± 11.4 years), 121 (43.5%) and 87 (31.3%) had pancreatic and gastric cancer, respectively. Technical success was achieved in 277 patients (99.6%). GOOSS scores rose from 0.5 ± 0.6 to 2.6 ± 0.8. Stenting was ineffective in 32 patients (12.6%). Stent dysfunction that caused symptom recurrence during follow-up developed in 46 patients (16.6%). Adverse events occurred in 49 patients (17.7%). Three or more stenosis sites (odds ratio [OR] = 6.11; P < .01) and Karnofsky performance scores ≤50 (OR = 6.63; P < .01) predicted clinical ineffectiveness. Karnofsky performance scores ≤50 predicted stent dysfunction (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.63; P < .01). Bile duct stenosis (HR = 9.55; P = .02) and liver metastasis (HR = 9.42; P < .01) predicted stent overgrowth. Covered stent predicted stent migration (HR = 12.63; P < .01). Deployment of 2 stents predicted perforation (HR = 854.88; P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Through-the-scope gastroduodenal stenting tended to be ineffective in patients with poor performance status and long stenosis sites. Stent dysfunction occurred more frequently in patients with poorer performance status. Deployment of 2 stents was a risk factor for perforation. Identification of these risk variables may help yield better gastroduodenal stenting outcomes.

High-resolution manometry changes our views of gastrointestinal motility

High-resolution manometry using catheters with 36 solid-state sensors spaced 1 cm apart has already become an established technique for esophageal manometry where it has replaced water-perfused and station pull-through manometry. Spatiotemporal plots with color coding of pressure have greatly facilitated the analysis of esophageal peristalsis. Although suitable for the length of the esophagus, the solid-state catheter is insufficient for the study of longer segments of the gastrointestinal tract. A new technique with fiber-optic sensors has made it possible to construct catheters with 72-144 sensors. Studies of colonic motility have revealed that the most common motor pattern of the colon is a peristaltic contraction that travels 7-10 cm in the retrograde direction. Earlier studies using low-resolution manometry with 7-45 cm between sensors led us to erroneous conclusions regarding direction and frequency of contractions and they largely missed both antegrade and retrograde contractions traveling short distances. Fiber-optic high-resolution manometry holds promise for greatly improving our understanding of gut motor physiology and hopefully also our understanding of patients with symptoms of disordered gut motility.

Comparative analysis of phase III migrating motor complexes in stomach and small bowel using wireless motility capsule and antroduodenal manometry

BACKGROUND

  Assessment of phase III MMC is often not performed due to the invasive nature of antroduodenal manometry used to detect it. The aim of the study was to evaluate the ability of wireless motility capsule (WMC) to detect phase III MMC and correlate it with the simultaneous measurements by antroduodenal manometry (ADM).

METHODS

  Eighteen patients underwent simultaneous ADM and WMC. MMCs were identified first on ADM and then correlated with WMC events occurring simultaneously. Frequency of contractions per min, AUC, MI, and criteria for amplitude thresholds of contractions representing MCCs on WMC tracings were defined.

KEY RESULTS

  In 18 patients, a total of 29 MMCs were recorded by ADM. WMC detected 86% of MMC events measured by ADM. Hundred percent (10/10) of MMCs in stomach were detected by WMC, whereas 79% (15/19) of MMCs were detected in SB. The sensitivity and specificity of WMC high amplitude contractions to represent phase III MMC were 90% and 71.8% in the stomach; 73.7% and 84.7% in SB, respectively, and negative predictive value was 99.9% in both regions.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

  Wireless motility capsule was able to detect the phase III MMCs as the high amplitude contractions with good fidelity. WMC does not detect the propagation of MMC. Using the pressure thresholds, WMC can detect high amplitude contraction representing phase III MMC with favorable sensitivity/specificity profile and 99.9% negative predictive value. This observation may have clinical significance, as the absence of high amplitude contractions recorded by WMC during fasting state suggests absence of MMCs.

Mandatory and optional function tests in gastroduodenal disorders

A number of patients have symptoms suggestive of a disturbance of gastroduodenal function. Current gastric function tests allow us to study gastric emptying, motor activity, gastroduodenal sensitivity to distention and accommodation to a meal. The best application of these tests seems to be in the explanation of symptoms. However, most of the available tests have a low diagnostic specificity, and their results usually have no major impact on the choice of therapy. In rare or refractory cases, small bowel manometry may lead to specific diagnoses and gastric emptying testing may prompt the decision to consider more invasive therapies. Gastroduodenal function tests do not seem to predict the response to therapy or the prognosis of patients with presumed gastric sensory or motor disorders. The main limitation to a greater clinical usefulness of gastroduodenal function testing is the lack of therapeutic alternatives.

Postprandial transduodenal bolus transport is regulated by complex peristaltic sequence

AIM: To study the relationship between the patterns of postprandial peristalsis and transduodenal bolus transport in healthy subjects.

METHODS: Synchronous recording of chyme transport and peristaltic activity was performed during the fasting state and after administration of a test meal using a special catheter device with cascade configuration of impedance electrodes and solid-state pressure transducers. The catheter was placed into the duodenum, where the first channel was located in the first part of the duodenum and the last channel at the duodenojejunal junction. After identification of previously defined chyme transport patterns the associated peristaltic patterns were analyzed.

RESULTS: The interdigestive phase 3 complex was reliably recorded with both techniques. Of 497 analyzed impedance bolus transport events, 110 (22%) were short-spanned propulsive, 307 (62%) long-spanned propulsive, 70 (14%) complex propulsive, and 10 (2%) retrograde transport. Short-spanned chyme transports were predominantly associated with stationary or propagated contractions propagated over short distance. Long-spanned and complex chyme transports were predominantly associated with propulsive peristaltic patterns, which were frequently complex and comprised multiple contractions. Propagated double wave contraction, propagated contraction with a clustered contraction, and propagated cluster of contractions have been identified to be an integralted part of a peristaltic sequence in human duodenum.

CONCLUSION: Combined impedancometry and manometry improves the analysis of the peristaltic patterns that are associated with postprandial transduodenal chyme transport. Postprandial transduodenal bolus transport is regulated by propulsive peristaltic patterns, which are frequently complex but well organized. This finding should be taken into consideration in the analysis of intestinal motility studies.

The nocturnal jejunal migrating motor complex: defining normal ranges by study of 51 healthy adult volunteers and meta-analysis

Interdigestive human small bowel motility is characterized by the migrating motor complex (MMC). The aims of this study were to: (i) establish the normal range of variables of the nocturnal jejunal MMC and (ii) incorporate these data in a subsequent meta-analysis. Eighty-one recordings were performed by prolonged (24 h) ambulatory manometry in 51 subjects in two centres. Quantitative analysis was undertaken of 419 Phase III and 332 Phase II episodes. Adjusted mean values of seven variables were calculated using a mixed-effects model. Meta-analysis of pooled published data to generate a reliable 95% reference range was also performed. Adjusted mean values and confidence intervals are presented for all seven variables. Intrasubject variances were large in comparison with intersubject. Meta-analysis of 19 studies (356 pooled patients) meeting inclusion criteria produced wide reference ranges. At least five such ranges are useful for the detection of abnormality in the individual. This is the largest study of normal volunteers presented to date, with ranges for many variables produced using appropriate statistical methodology. A model for definition of abnormality has been proposed. We recommend that these data may be used by investigators in this field as a complement to other existing indicators of small bowel dysmotility.

Sleep and the Gastrointestinal Tract

In this review, an integration of GI functioning is attempted with regard to its relationship to sleep, how this interaction may lead to complaints of sleep disorders, and the pathogenesis of some GI disorders. Data are presented to support the notion that sleep-related GER is an important factor not only in the development of esophagitis but also in the respiratory complications of GER. Although sensory functioning is altered markedly during sleep with regard to most standard sensory functions (eg, auditory), there seems to be an enhancement of some visceral sensation during sleep that seems to protect the tracheobronchial tree from aspiration of gastric contents reflux during sleep. Patients who have functional bowel disorders reveal an increase in sleep complaints compared with normal volunteers. The actual mechanisms of these disturbances remain somewhat obscure and studies do not demonstrate any consistent abnormalities in sleep patterns of these patients. Some studies show that autonomic functioning during sleep, particularly REM sleep, can distinguish patients who have IBS. Thus, the continued study of sleep and GI functioning promises to create a new dimension in the understanding of the pathophysiology of a variety of GI disorders.

Study of intestinal flow by combined videofluoroscopy, manometry, and multiple intraluminal impedance

Assessment of patterns of flow in the small bowel is difficult. Multiple intraluminal impedance has been recently used for study of flow dynamics in the esophagus. Our aims were 1) to validate multiple intraluminal impedance by correlating impedance events with intestinal flow as detected by fluoroscopy and 2) to determine intestinal flow patterns in the fasting and postprandial period and their correspondence with manometry. First, six healthy subjects underwent simultaneous video-fluoroscopic, manometric, and impedance recording from the duodenum. Videofluoroscopy was used to validate impedance patterns corresponding with barium flow in the fasting and postprandial periods. Next, 16 healthy subjects underwent prolonged simultaneous recording of impedance and manometry in both periods. Most flow events were short (10 cm or less), with antegrade flow being the most common. Correspondence between impedance and videofluoroscopy increased with increasing length of barium flow. Impedance corresponded better with flow, at any distance, than manometry. However, impedance and manometric events, when analyzed separately as index events, always corresponded with fluoroscopic flow. The fasting and postprandial periods showed comparable patterns of flow, with frequent, highly propulsive manometric and impedance sequences. Motility index was positively and significantly associated with length of impedance events. Phase 3 of the migrating motor complex could be easily recognized by impedance. Multiple intraluminal impedance can detect intestinal flow events and corresponds better with fluoroscopic flow than manometry.

Automated quantitative analysis of nocturnal jejunal motor activity identifies abnormalities in individuals and subgroups of patients with slow transit constipation

OBJECTIVE

Small bowel dysmotility has previously been demonstrated in some patients with slow transit constipation (STC), suggesting a generalized intestinal disorder. However, no study has addressed whether the incidence of small intestinal dysfunction differs between subgroups of patients in this heterogeneous population. Using appropriate methodology, we aimed to determine prospectively the proportion of individuals with abnormal small bowel motility, and to assess whether heterogeneity in terms of pattern of colonic transit delay (based on (111)In diethylene-triamine-pentaacetic acid (DTPA) isotope scintigraphy), or mode of onset (based on clinical history) is of importance.

METHODS

Thirty-seven patients with STC underwent 24-h ambulatory jejunal manometry; data were compared with those obtained in 38 healthy controls. Automated quantitative analysis of seven variables of the nocturnal migrating motor complex was performed, to assess whether differences existed between groups, and whether individual patients had evidence of small intestinal dysmotility, defined as two or more measures of migrating motor complex variables outside the normal range. Four variables differed significantly between STC patients and controls: in phase III, propagation was slower, duration was longer, and contraction amplitude was higher; in phase II, contraction frequency was increased. Seven of 24 patients with a generalized pattern of colonic transit delay had abnormal small bowel motility compared with none of 13 with a left-sided delay (p < 0.04). These included four patients with chronic idiopathic symptoms and three with acquired symptoms. Approximately one third of patients with a generalized delay in colonic transit had evidence of jejunal enteric neuromuscular dysfunction. Individual patients with a left-sided colonic delay did not satisfy the criteria for nocturnal small bowel dysmotility, but as a group, some differences were noted from controls. In contrast to previous reports, evidence of generalized enteric dysmotility may be present irrespective of the mode of onset.

The effect of cholecystectomy on duodenojejunal motility in humans

We hypothesized that certain gastrointestinal symptoms following cholecystectomy could be explained by motor disturbances. To test this hypothesis, we compared pre- and post-operative motor patterns between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients after surgery to evaluate whether some motor changes could be induced by gallbladder removal and associated with symptoms. Twenty-three patients were prospectively evaluated before and 3 months after cholecystectomy. After surgery, 17 patients were asymptomatic and six were symptomatic. Duodenojejunal manometric recordings were performed for 3 h during fasting, then 3 h after a 750-kcal meal. Patient motor results were compared to those obtained in the duodenojejunum of 20 healthy controls. After surgery, only a few modifications in duodenojejunal motility were observed compared to the preoperative period. Motor changes related to cholecystectomy were increase in phase III amplitude and the absence of progressive decrease of the duodenojejunal motor response after the meal. After surgery, symptomatic patients had a lower postprandial duodenal motility index after the meal than asymptomatic patients (P < 0.03) and more frequent propagated clusters of contractions (PCCs) (P < 0.02). Preoperative motor patterns associated with postoperative symptoms were postprandial only and included a low duodenal motility index (P < 0.03), and a higher number of PCCs (P < 0.02). Removal of the gallbladder has a limited effect on duodenojejunal motility. Few motor differences existed between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients after surgery. However, a low duodenal motor response to a meal and PCCs were often associated with symptoms.

The role of remote gut inflammation in duodenojejunal dysmotility

The aim of this prospective study was to determine the role of remote inflammation of the gut on duodenojejunal motor status by comparing patients with acute cholecystitis (AC) to those with biliary colic (BC). Thirty-six gallstone patients (11 AC and 25 BC) were explored. Manometric recordings were performed during fasting and after a 750-kcal meal and ended by an intravenous injection of 100 mg trimebutine. Patient data were compared to those of 20 healthy controls. Phases III were more frequently absent in AC patients than in BC patients (P < 0.01) and controls (P < 0.05). When phase III characteristics were similar between the AC and BC group, the phase III amplitude was lower in both groups than in controls (P < 0.0001). After the meal, the mean motor index in the jejunum expressed by the area under the curve (AUC) per 30-min period was higher in the AC group than in BC group and controls (P < 0.05). Specific motor phenomena were observed after the meal. In particular, propagating clusters of contractions (PCCs) were more frequent in AC patients than in BC (P < 0.05) and controls (P < 0.01). A lack of the expected decrease in the AUC during recording occurred with the same frequency in the AC and BC groups but was more frequent in patients than in controls (P < 0.05). In 8/11 patients in the AC group with duodenojejunal tracings before and 3 months after surgery, preoperative motor disturbances disappeared in 5/8 patients and improved in 3/8 patients. The higher frequency of duodenojejunal motor disturbances especially after a meal in patients with AC and their disappearance in most of the patients after removal of the infected gallbladder suggest that remote inflammation of the gut affects duodenojejunal motility.

Gender influence on jejunal migrating motor complex

The role of gender and the menstrual cycle in small bowel motility has not been clearly elucidated. Jejunal motility was recorded with a nasojejunal catheter incorporating five solid-state pressure transducers in ambulatory menstruating women and men of comparable age over 24 h. All women were studied twice, in the early follicular (early-F) and midluteal (mid-L) phases of the menstrual cycle, verified by determining serum levels of gonadal steroids and gonadotropins. The propagation velocity of phase III was slow and the contraction amplitude was high in both menstrual cycle phases compared with men, and these parameters were correlated with serum estrogen levels in the mid-L phase. In the early-F phase, migrating motor complex (MMC) cycle duration during sleep was long compared with other groups and positively correlated with estrogen concentrations, whereas in the mid-L phase MMC cycle duration during sleep was negatively correlated with serum progesterone levels. In all groups, the frequency of phase III contractions was low and the intercontractile interval measured from pressure peak to peak was long during sleep compared with the awake state. Postprandial motility did not display gender difference in any parameter examined. The results demonstrate that the majority of patterns of motility are similar in menstruating women and men, whereas certain aspects of the MMC, most conspicuously propagation velocity and phase III contraction amplitude, differ. We have also documented circadian variation of phase III contraction frequency in both women and men.

Clinical use of manometry for the diagnosis of intestinal motor abnormalities

Digestive symptoms suggestive of intestinal motor disorders, such as abdominal pain and distension, fullness, vomiting, constipation and diarrhoea, are very common and non-specific, and may be clinical manifestations of both organic and functional diseases. Both radiology and endoscopy are important in the diagnosis of structural gastrointestinal lesions that can affect motility and offer indirect signs of impaired gastrointestinal functions, but the diagnosis of gut motility disorders currently relies on the manometric assessment of contractile activities. Small bowel manometry helps to identify normal motility features and consequently to identify abnormal motor patterns. Small bowel manometry can help to differentiate mechanical obstruction from pseudo-obstruction and neurogenic from myogenic motor disorders. Manometry is an invasive technique which is not well accepted by patients and requires specific skills from investigators. Also, manometric assessment is limited to referral centres with a specific interest in the field of digestive functions, in general, and motility, in particular. Only patients who remain undiagnosed after extensive traditional work-up and fail repeated courses with medical therapy should be referred for the manometric test. Understanding the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms of abnormal motility and developing new therapies are the goals of the current research in this fascinating field of medicine.

Prolonged ambulatory duodeno-jejunal manometry in humans: normal values and gender effect

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to provide a detailed comparison of motor activity in the duodenum and jejunum and between men and women studied by prolonged ambulatory manometry.

METHODS

Thirty healthy volunteers (17 males) underwent prolonged ambulatory recording of duodeno-jejunal motility using a catheter with five built-in strain-gauge transducers (two duodenal and three jejunal). Manometric data was obtained during an extended period of fasting, the postprandial period and during sleep.

RESULTS

There was a wide range of durations of the migrating motor complex (MMC), but at least one phase III was detected during 6 h of fasting, or 6 h of sleep in each subject (0.52+/-0.04 phase III/hour during fasting vs 0.59+/-0.04 during sleep, p=0.1). There was marked variation in the duration and pattern of phase III. Postprandially, frequency of contractions and motility index were maximal in the first 2 h after the meal, in both the duodenum and jejunum. There were no substantive differences between males and females or between the duodenum and jejunum.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that upper small bowel motility is little affected by gender or segment.