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Implementation of complete mesogastric excision in gastric cancer surgery, named D2 lymphadenectomy plus complete mesogastric excision (D2+CME), has recently been proposed as an optimal procedure. However, the safety and efficacy of D2+CME remain uncertain. In this randomized controlled trial, patients receiving D2+CME exhibit less intraoperative blood loss, more lymph node harvesting, and earlier postoperative flatus than patients receiving conventional D2 radical surgery. Univariate Cox regression analysis reveals that the risk ratio for postoperative flatus in D2+CME group is 1.247 (p = 0.044). Overall postoperative complications are comparable between the two groups, but complications are significantly less severe in the D2+CME group than the D2 group (Clavien-Dindo classification grade ≥ IIIa: 4 D2+CME patients [11.8%] versus 9 D2 patients [33.3%]; p = 0.041). In conclusion, our work shows that D2+CME is associated with better short-term outcomes and surgical safety than conventional D2 dissection for patients with advanced gastric cancer., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2021 The Authors.)

Background: Concurrent chemoradiotherapy is the standard treatment for anal cancer. Following national UK implementation of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), this prospective, national cohort evaluates the one-year oncological outcomes and patient-reported toxicity outcomes (PRO) after treatment., Materials and Methods: A national cohort of UK cancer centers implementing IMRT was carried out between February to July 2015. Cancer centers provided data on oncological outcomes, including survival, and disease and colostomy status at one-year. EORTC-QLQ core (C30) and colorectal (CR29) questionnaires were completed at baseline and one-year followup. The PRO scores at baseline and one year were compared., Results: 40 UK Cancer Centers returned data with a total of 187 patients included in the analysis. 92% received mitomycin with 5-fluorouracil or capecitabine. One-year overall survival was 94%; 84% were disease-free and 86% colostomy-free at one-year followup. At one year, PRO results found significant improvements in buttock pain, blood and mucus in stools, pain, constipation, appetite loss, and health anxiety compared to baseline. No significant deteriorations were reported in diarrhea, bowel frequency, and flatulence. Urinary symptom scores were low at one year. Moderate impotence symptoms at baseline remained at one year, and a moderate deterioration in dyspareunia reported., Conclusions: With national anal cancer IMRT implementation, at this early pre-defined time point, one-year oncological outcomes were reassuring and resulted in good disease-related symptom control. one-year symptomatic complications following CRT for anal cancer using IMRT techniques appear to be relatively mild. These PRO results provide a basis to benchmark future studies., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None declared., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Functional gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, such as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), have been suggested to be associated with autonomic neuropathy. We therefore examined associations between hemodynamic indices of autonomic control, functional GI symptoms and stress in a population-based cohort. Methods and materials: The study included 2094 participants of the Malmö Offspring Study (mean age 40.6 ± 13.8 years, 53.9% women). 509 (24.3%) reported having GI symptoms the last 2 weeks, without having organic GI disease, and 347 subjects (16.6%) reported IBS. Office and ambulatory 24-h systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and heart rate were measured. Associations between hemodynamic parameters and abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, bloating and flatulence, vomiting and nausea and psychological well-being according to the visual analog scale for IBS (VAS-IBS), and stress, were performed by Spearman's correlation test and linear regression models. Results: Subjects who reported GI symptoms had lower office supine and standing DBP and lower 24 h SBP and DBP compared with those without GI symptoms. Regarding specific symptoms, diarrhea was correlated with 24-h measurements of SBP (rs = 0.197), DBP (rs = 0.173) and heart rate (rs = 0.134). Subjects with the most severe diarrhea had higher 24-h SBP (125.2 vs. 119.0 mmHg; p  = .038), DBP (74.0 vs. 69.0 mmHg; p  = .033) and heart rate (74.5 vs 71.1 beats/minute; p  = .048), after adjustments for confounders, compared to the other. There were no associations between other GI symptoms, IBS, stress and hemodynamic alterations. Conclusion: Functional diarrhea was associated with hemodynamic indices of sympathetic activation, supporting a possible role of the autonomic nervous system in diarrhea.

Background: Some patients complain that eating lettuce, gives them gas and abdominal distention. Our aim was to determine to what extent the patients' assertion is sustained by evidence., Methods: An in vitro study measured the amount of gas produced during the process of fermentation by a preparation of human colonic microbiota (n = 3) of predigested lettuce, as compared to beans, a high gas-releasing substrate, to meat, a low gas-releasing substrate, and to a nutrient-free negative control. A clinical study in patients complaining of abdominal distention after eating lettuce (n = 12) measured the amount of intestinal gas and the morphometric configuration of the abdominal cavity in abdominal CT scans during an episode of lettuce-induced distension as compared to basal conditions., Key Results: Gas production by microbiota fermentation of lettuce in vitro was similar to that of meat (P = .44), lower than that of beans (by 78 ± 15%; P < .001) and higher than with the nutrient-free control (by 25 ± 19%; P = .05). Patients complaining of abdominal distension after eating lettuce exhibited an increase in girth (35 ± 3 mm larger than basal; P < .001) without significant increase in colonic gas content (39 ± 4 mL increase; P = .071); abdominal distension was related to a descent of the diaphragm (by 7 ± 3 mm; P = .027) with redistribution of normal abdominal contents., Conclusion and Inferences: Lettuce is a low gas-releasing substrate for microbiota fermentation and lettuce-induced abdominal distension is produced by an uncoordinated activity of the abdominal walls. Correction of the somatic response might be more effective than the current dietary restriction strategy., (© 2019 The Authors. Neurogastroenterology & Motility published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Introduction: Bloating is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints. Evidence has linked fiber and sodium to bloating; however, randomized trials examining these diet components are lacking. Here, we used a randomized trial to examine the effects of the high-fiber DASH diet and dietary sodium intake on abdominal bloating. We hypothesized that both the high-fiber DASH diet and higher sodium intake would increase bloating., Methods: The DASH-Sodium trial (1998-1999) randomized healthy adults to a high-fiber (32 g/d) DASH or low-fiber (11 g/d) Western diet (control). On their assigned diet, participants ate 3 sodium levels (50, 100, and 150 mmol/d at 2100 kcal) in 30-day periods in random order, with 5-day breaks between each period. The participants reported the presence of bloating at baseline and after each feeding period. Statistical analyses included log-binomial models to evaluate the risk of bloating., Results: Of 412 participants (mean age 48 years; 57% women; 57% black), 36.7% reported bloating at baseline. Regardless of the diet, high sodium intake increased the risk of bloating (risk ratio = 1.27; 95% confidence interval: 1.06-1.52; P = 0.01). The high-fiber DASH diet also increased the risk of bloating over all sodium levels (risk ratio = 1.41; 95% confidence interval: 1.22-1.64; P < 0.001). The effect of high-fiber DASH on bloating was greater in men than in women (P for interaction = 0.001)., Discussion: Higher dietary sodium increased bloating, as did the high-fiber DASH diet. Although healthful high-fiber diets may increase bloating, these effects may be partially mitigated by decreasing dietary sodium intake. Future research is needed to explore mechanisms by which sodium intake and diet can influence bloating.

Objective: To provide normative data for the Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) score., Background: The LARS score is a validated and frequently used tool measuring bowel dysfunction after sphincter sparing surgery for rectal cancer. The interpretation of LARS score results has previously been limited by the lack of normative data., Methods: An age and sex-stratified random sample of 3440 citizens from the general population was drawn from the Danish civil registration system (age range 20-89 years, 50% females). A brief questionnaire including the LARS score and health-related items were distributed electronically or by post., Results: A total of 1875 (54.5%) responded, 54.0% were females. In the age group 50 to 79 years, relevant for most rectal cancer studies, the response rate was 70.5% (n = 807). In this specific age group, 18.8% of the females and 9.6% of the males had a LARS score ≥30, corresponding to the LARS score category "major LARS" (P = 0.001), and the median (interquartile range) LARS score was 16 (7-26) and 11 (4-22), respectively (P < 0.001). Responders with physical disease had a statistically significant higher risk of a LARS score ≥30, compared with responders without any physical disease (odds ratio 2.2, 95% confidence interval 1.6-2.9, P < 0.001)., Conclusions: A LARS score ≥30 (major LARS) is common in the general population, especially in the age group 50 to 79 years. Normative data for the LARS score are now available and can be taken into account when interpreting LARS score results in scientific studies of bowel function after rectal cancer treatment.

Background: Lactose malabsorption affects 70% of the world population. The hydrogen breath test (HBT) is used clinically to test for this condition. The aim of our study was to describe the relationship between symptoms experienced before and during the HBT and test results., Methods: We included children who underwent the HBT in the pediatric gastroenterology unit at Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital during a 6-month period. Previous symptoms and those experienced before and after the HBT were assessed using a questionnaire and a validated pain scale., Results: Ninety-five children were included in the study, and 66.3% had a positive HBT. Diarrhea and flatulence during the test were significantly more frequent in the group with a positive HBT compared to those with a negative test (31.7% vs. 9.4%, P = 0.016 and 69.8% vs. 40.6%, P = 0.006, respectively). The frequency of abdominal pain and bloating was similar., Conclusions: Diarrhea and flatulence during the HBT are the most specific symptoms of lactose intolerance. Abdominal pain should not be automatically attributed to lactose intolerance even in the presence of lactose malabsorption. Coupling the HBT with a real-time questionnaire facilitates interpretation of results and subsequent recommendations.

Two independent clinical studies were conducted to compare the gastrointestinal (GI) tolerability of corn starch fiber, a novel dietary fiber, at up to 50 g/day (single-dose study) or 90 g/day (multiple-serving study) with a negative control (no fiber) and a positive control (50 or 90 g polydextrose, for single- and multiple-serving studies, respectively) in generally healthy study volunteers. Flatulence and borborygmus were the primary symptoms reported at the higher doses of corn starch fiber and for the positive control interventions. Bowel movements were increased over 48 h with corn starch fiber at 90 g. Thresholds for mild GI effects were established at 30 g as a single dose and 60 g as multiple servings spread over the day. Other than moderate abdominal pain and mild increased appetite in one subject at 90-g corn starch fiber, no test article-related adverse events were reported.

Background: Low-grade mucosal inflammation and immune activation are involved in the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Furthermore, IBS symptoms are associated with a significantly higher prevalence of psychological distress, which in itself results into an impaired quality of life (QoL). Vitamin D could ameliorate the symptoms of patients suffering from IBS through its beneficial effects on psychological factors and inflammation., Methods: A total of 90 IBS patients participated in this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Participants were randomly selected to receive either 50 000 IU vitamin D3 or a placebo fortnightly for a period of 6 months. Patients reported their IBS symptoms at the baseline and monthly during intervention periods. The IBS severity score system (IBSSS) and IBS-specific QoL questionnaires were used at the baseline and postintervention., Key Results: Over the 6-month intervention period, a significantly greater improvement in IBS symptoms such as abdominal pain and distention, flatulence, rumbling, and overall gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms (except dissatisfaction with bowel habits) was observed in the patients receiving vitamin D as compared to the placebo group. The IBSSS and the IBS-QoL scores in the vitamin D group significantly improved compared to the placebo group postintervention (mean IBSSS score change: -53.82 ± 23.3 vs -16.85 ± 25.01, p < 0.001, respectively; mean IBS-QoL score change: 14.26 ± 3 vs 11 ± 2.34, p < 0.001, respectively)., Conclusions & Inferences: Vitamin D seems to be an effective and safe option to improve QoL and symptoms of IBS. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02579902)., (© 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The evaluation of the patient with gas and bloating can be complex and the treatment extremely challenging. In this article, a simplified approach to the history and relevant physical examination is presented and applied in a case-oriented manner, suitable for application in the primary care setting., (Copyright © 2016 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Bloating and abdominal distention are common complaints present in quite a number of organic and functional diseases. An important subject in traditional Persian medicine is digestive disorders, particularly bloating and its etiology. This is a literature review study conducted on The Canon in Medicine written by Avicenna and using the keywords: bloating, gas. In this article, causes for bloating, according to Avicenna, include diet causes, inappropriate lifestyle, gastrointestinal, and miscellaneous reasons. These were compared with causes suggested in modern medicine. Avicenna classifies causes based on the place of origin into upper part of the abdomen (stomach) and intestinal part of the abdomen. Also, 38 medicinal plants used as remedies were listed. Modern scientific data support all bloating causes that have been mentioned in the canon. Obviously, some causes such as uterine disorders and posterior nasal discharge need to be studied further., (© The Author(s) 2016.)

Background: The surgical outcome of fundoplication can be evaluated by means of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGDS). The literature reveals only one prior long-term follow-up series with endoscopic evaluation of the fundoplication wraps after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF). The results achieved at a university clinic showed LNF to be more durable than open fundoplication (ONF). Previously, in our community-based hospital, the results of ONF were somewhat poorer than those achieved at a university clinic. The objective of the present study was to describe the long-term results of LNF in our hospital as regards surgical and symptomatic outcomes., Methods: In 1997-1999, 107 LNFs were performed in our hospital. A questionnaire with symptom evaluation was mailed to all patients. The patients who agreed to participate were interviewed and underwent EGDS., Results: Of the 107 patients, 64 (59.8 %) participated in the study (40 men, mean age 61.9 years, range 28-85 years). The mean follow-up time was 9.8 years. Seven endoscopic examinations (10.9 %) showed a defective fundic wrap; three of the patients had undergone reoperation. Fifty-eight (90.6 %) patients had no or minimal heartburn and 61 (95.3 %) had no or minimal regurgitation. Twenty-three (35.9 %) patients had moderate or severe dysphagia, and 43 (67.2 %) patients had moderate or severe flatulence. Fifty-seven (89.1 %) patients would have opted for surgery again., Conclusions: This study contributes to the previous notion that LNF is associated with fewer surgical failures than ONF. Our results indicate that LNF can well be performed in a community-based hospital with acceptable long-term results.

Objective: To characterise the influence of diet on abdominal symptoms, anal gas evacuation, intestinal gas distribution and colonic microbiota in patients complaining of flatulence., Design: Patients complaining of flatulence (n=30) and healthy subjects (n=20) were instructed to follow their usual diet for 3 days (basal phase) and to consume a high-flatulogenic diet for another 3 days (challenge phase)., Results: During basal phase, patients recorded more abdominal symptoms than healthy subjects in daily questionnaires (5.8±0.3 vs 0.4±0.2 mean discomfort/pain score, respectively; p=<0.0001) and more gas evacuations by an event marker (21.9±2.8 vs 7.4±1.0 daytime evacuations, respectively; p=0.0001), without differences in the volume of gas evacuated after a standard meal (262±22 and 265±25 mL, respectively). On flatulogenic diet, both groups recorded more abdominal symptoms (7.9±0.3 and 2.8±0.4 discomfort/pain, respectively), number of gas evacuations (44.4±5.3 and 21.7±2.9 daytime evacuations, respectively) and had more gas production (656±52 and 673±78 mL, respectively; p<0.05 vs basal diet for all). When challenged with flatulogenic diet, patients' microbiota developed instability in composition, exhibiting variations in the main phyla and reduction of microbial diversity, whereas healthy subjects' microbiota were stable. Taxa from Bacteroides fragilis or Bilophila wadsworthia correlated with number of gas evacuations or volume of gas evacuated, respectively., Conclusions: Patients complaining of flatulence have a poor tolerance of intestinal gas, which is associated with instability of the microbial ecosystem.

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastrointestinal (GI) dysmotility disorders have a similar clinical picture, although dysmotility disorders require the attention of a specialist. Patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) have also been described to suffer from IBS-like symptoms. No objective marker is available to distinguish between the patients. A visual analogue scale has been developed for IBS patients (VAS-IBS) to measure treatment response of GI symptoms and well-being in patients with IBS. The aim of the present study was to examine if VAS-IBS could be used to compare the degree of GI complaints in different patient populations, to get an objective marker to differentiate between the patients., Methods: The VAS-IBS consists of 7 VAS scales, namely, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating and flatulence, vomiting and nausea, psychological well-being and the intestinal symptoms' influence on daily life. Consecutive female patients suffering from IBS, dysmotility disorders and pSS were asked to complete the VAS-IBS questionnaire when visiting the out-patient clinics. In addition, a control population consisting of healthy female volunteers was included., Results: Healthy volunteers had almost no GI symptoms, whereas all 3 patient groups expressed symptoms. There was no statistical significant difference between IBS and dysmotility in any of the scales besides vomiting and nausea (p = 0.044). Except for constipation, patients with pSS had less severe symptoms than the others., Conclusion: The VAS-IBS questionnaire could be used to assess the level of GI symptoms. However, VAS scores do not help the clinicians to differentiate between IBS and other dysmotility disturbances., (© 2011 Bengtsson et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.)

Background: Gastrointestinal complaints are common among long distance runners. We hypothesised that small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is present in long distance runners frequently afflicted with gastrointestinal complaints., Findings: Seven long distance runners (5 female, mean age 29.1 years) with gastrointestinal complaints during and immediately after exercise without known gastrointestinal diseases performed Glucose hydrogen breath tests for detection of SIBO one week after a lactose hydrogen breath test checking for lactose intolerance. The most frequent symptoms were diarrhea (5/7, 71%) and flatulence (6/7, 86%). The study was conducted at a laboratory.In none of the subjects a pathological hydrogen production was observed after the intake of glucose. Only in one athlete a pathological hydrogen production was measured after the intake of lactose suggesting lactose intolerance., Conclusions: Gastrointestinal disorders in the examined long distance runners were not associated with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

The general practitioner is most likely to benefit from this "Opinion Paper" about the functional intestinal disorders, both as an update and as a tool to improve his/her relationship with patients. Four functional intestinal disorders have been described: irritable bowel syndrome, functional bloating, functional constipation and functional diarrhea. All such disorders are defined by non-specific symptoms, referred to the middle and/or lower gastrointestinal tract without evidence of any organic basis. Symptoms should have arisen at least six months earlier, and they should have recurred at least three times monthly over the last three months. Disorders of motility, visceral hypersensitivity, inflammatory and immune disorders, as well as psycho-social, genetic and environmental factors, have all been involved in the pathophysiology of functional intestinal disorders; disturbances of the colonic bacterial flora are also suggested to have a leading role and interventions to correct them are most useful. Functional intestinal disorders as described in the validated Rome III Criteria are possibly too much categorized, but such criteria still are the only useful tool for diagnosis and therapeutic choices. Clinical history is crucial for diagnosis, meaning when symptoms were first detected and how they evolve, alternate, and associate. A diagnostic diary to report symptoms, daily activities, and foods may also be helpful. Functional intestinal disorders persist over time, and they heavily interfere with quality of life; they also have a heavy impact on economical resources. However, intestinal functional disorders are not associated with dangerous sequelae or mortality. It is up to general practitioners to reassure patients and to prescribe first-level diagnostic exams appropriately.

In the present paper, the author reminds investigations performed, since forty-four years ago, to clarify the etiopathogenesis and to improve the diagnosis and treatment of the flatulence syndrome.

Objective: Autonomic seizures have been associated with seizure onset in the temporal or insular lobe and consist of variations in blood pressure and heart rate, sweating, flushing, piloerection, hypersalivation, vomiting, spitting, and alterations in bladder and bowel functions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the localizing and lateralizing value of ictal flatulence., Methods: Medical records of patients with focal epilepsies who were monitored at the Interdisciplinary Epilepsy Center Marburg between 2006 and 2009 were reviewed for the occurrence of ictal flatulence. Clinical, electrophysiological, and imaging data were reviewed and compared with data for previously reported cases of ictal flatulence., Results: Two patients with ictal flatulence were identified (0.6%). In both patients, ictal flatulence was associated with a seizure pattern in the temporal lobe of the dominant hemisphere. Our cases and previously reported cases point toward activation of insular cortex because of such additional autonomic symptoms as unilateral piloerection, tachycardia, profound sweating, and flushing of the face., Conclusions: Ictal flatulence is a rare manifestation of autonomic seizures and a localizing sign for temporal or/and insular lobe epilepsies. In general, ictal flatulence seems to have no lateralizing value., ((c) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

We describe the case of a 45-year-old woman with frequent simple partial seizures consisting mainly of autonomic manifestations including flatulence. The ictal onset and interictal EEG epileptiform abnormalities were localized to the right frontotemporal region. This localization was supported by structural brain imaging showing recurrence of a right frontotemporal oligodendroglioma with involvement of the insula. We therefore suggest that ictal flatulence is one of several autonomic and gastrointestinal symptoms and signs that may be used clinically in lateralizing to the nondominant hemisphere.

Bloating is a common symptom, especially in women. In the clinical practice, it remains a therapeutic challenge. Since recently, its pathophysiology is better understood: an impaired transit of gas (particularly in the small bowel) or a visceral hypersensitivity leading to the induction of an abdominal discomfort despite a normal volume of gas are two of the main causes, far more frequent than an excessive production of gas. Moreover, bloating can be related to abnormal viscera-somatic reflexes promoting both an abdomino-phrenic dyssynergia and the relaxation of the muscles of the abdominal wall. From a therapeutic point of view, the efficacy of the gas absorbants remains to be more documented. Besides the treatment of a constipation and the avoidance of nutrients either highly fermentable or rich in fructose, other therapeutic options include prokinetics and drugs acting on visceral sensitivity. Probiotics are another promising option. In some centers, a non pharmacological therapeutic approach, mainly based on hypnosis, is discussed.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a common condition affecting many individuals in the Western world. Most patients are managed successfully with acid suppression, while others may require more invasive interventions. The majority of patients undergoing antireflux surgery will have favorable outcomes. A small percentage, however, will be considered surgical failures and will either present with new or recurrent symptoms, or develop postoperative complications. These include, but are not limited to, symptoms such as dysphagia, gas-bloat syndrome, and bowel dysfunctions that may significantly impair the patient's health and quality of life. As the number of antireflux procedures for this condition continue to increase, the number of complications is also likely to become more prevalent. The primary care physician will be challenged to recognize them and initiate appropriate management. In this review, we address the more common gastrointestinal complications of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication and offer general guidelines in their diagnosis and management.

Background/aim: We present 18 women who under normal conditions had fecal and flatus control. They leaked flatus only during coitus. We investigated the hypothesis that these women had a concealed anal sphincteric disorder., Methods: Eighteen multiparous women (mean age 44.8+/-7.2 SD years) complained of involuntary passage of flatus during coitus of 4.6+/-2.4 years duration. Mean deliveries amounted to 8.2+/-2.1, of which 5.2+/-1.1 were by forceps. Patients had neither fecal nor flatus incontinence except during coitus. Nine healthy volunteers matching patients in age and number of deliveries but without coital passage of flatus were included in the study. Monitoring comprised anorectal pressure studies and external and internal anal sphincter (EAS, IAS) electromyography (EMG). Plain X-ray and barium enema studies were done to detect stools in the rectum., Results: The rectal and anal pressures at rest and on voluntary squeeze of the patients matched those of the healthy volunteers. The recto-anal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) in the patients was abnormal; it recorded on rectal contraction a significantly lower anal pressure than that of the healthy volunteers; also, the rectal contraction occurred at a volume lower than with the volunteers. The EAS EMG of patients was normal, while their IAS EMG recorded a significantly lower activity at rest and on rectal distension than those of volunteers. Stools were detected at rest in the rectum of all patients and in only two of the volunteers., Conclusions: The distal end of the erect penis seems to buffet the lower rectum at coitus. In patients, the abnormal RAIR, the diminished IAS EMG as well as the presence of stools in the rectum at rest appear to be responsible for passage of flatus at coitus.

Aims: To study the efficacy of rifaximin, a nonabsorbable antibiotic, in relieving chronic functional symptoms of bloating and flatulence., Methods: Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial consisting of three 10-day phases: baseline (phase 1), treatment with rifaximin 400 mg b.i.d. or placebo (phase 2), and post-treatment period (phase 3). Primary efficacy variable was subjective global symptom relief at the end of each phase. A symptom score was calculated from a symptom diary. Lactulose H2-breath test (LHBT) was performed at baseline and end of study., Results: One hundred and twenty-four patients were enrolled (63 rifaximin and 61 placebo). Baseline characteristics were comparable and none had an abnormal baseline LHBT. Rome II criteria were met in 58.7% and 54.1%, respectively. At the end of phase 2, there was a significant difference in global symptom relief with rifaximin versus placebo (41.3% vs 22.9%, p = 0.03). This improvement was maintained at the end of phase 3 (28.6% vs 11.5%, p = 0.02). Mean cumulative and bloating-specific scores dropped significantly in the rifaximin group (p < 0.05). Among patients with IBS, a favorable response to rifaximin was noted (40.5% vs 18.2%; p = 0.04) persisting by the end of phase 3 (27% vs 9.1%; p = 0.05). H2-breath excretion dropped significantly among rifaximin responders and correlated with improvement in bloating and overall symptom scores (p = 0.01). No adverse events were reported., Conclusions: Rifaximin is a safe and effective treatment for abdominal bloating and flatulence, including in IBS patients. Symptom improvement correlates with reduction in H2-breath excretion. Future trials are needed to examine the efficacy of long-term or cyclic rifaximin in functional colonic disorders.

Up to 20% of parents report a problem with infant crying or irritability in the first 3 months of life. Crying usually peaks at 6 weeks and abates by 12-16 weeks. For most irritable infants, there is no underlying medical cause. In a minority, the cause is cow's milk and other food allergy. Only if frequent vomiting (about five times a day) occurs is gastro-oesophageal reflux a likely cause. It is important to assess the mother-infant relationship and maternal fatigue, anxiety and depression. Management of excessive crying includes: explaining babies' normal crying and sleeping patterns; helping parents help their baby deal with discomfort and distress through a baby-centred approach; helping parents recognise when their baby is tired and apply a consistent approach to settling their baby; encouraging parents to accept help from friends and family, and to simplify household tasks. If they are unable to manage their baby's crying, admission to a parenting centre (day stay or overnight stay) or local hospital should be arranged.

Inductive plethysmography (IP) sensors and oscillator modules were assessed for their potential use in the ambulatory monitoring of abdominal girth in subjects with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in order to objectively quantify their bloating symptoms. A dedicated microprocessordata logger was designed to record over 24 h the frequency output of IP oscillators connected to a belt around the subject's lower abdomen. Posture was also recorded via tilt switches (standing, sitting and lying). The system was separately calibrated by placing the belts around a variable rectangular phantom and measuring the frequency of oscillation. A theoretical geometric model was devised to convert measured frequency into circumference and account for changes caused by variations in shape. Using the calibration factors, it was found that the circumference of a circular phantom could be measured accurately (mean difference 1.27 cm and SD 0.25 cm). The system has been tested over 24 h with 20 volunteers. Movement introduced variations in measured girth larger than those found during periods of non-movement during sleep. We conclude that IP promises to be a useful and quantitative tool suitable for ambulatory monitoring of abdominal girth, a hitherto relatively unexplored symptom of IBS.

At present physicians focus their medicine studies in well defined illnesses as peptic ulcer, gastric cancer, ulcerative colitis and so on. However, patients reveal their discomfort to us, that is their symptoms or group of symptoms (syndromes). For this reason, our concern for many years has been the study of symptoms and syndromes. In this review we will be looking at the concepts and information gathered with respect to intestinal gases, clinically known as flatulence.

Introduction: Ogilvie's syndrome, acute pseudo-obstruction of the colon, can lead to perforation of the caecum and death. The syndrome is not well known and diagnosis can be difficult to make in time., Methods: We analysed seven cases of Ogilvie's syndrome with the aim of improving diagnostics., Results: All had prolonged labour before cesarean section, which was complicated by bleeding. All were treated with syntocinon, a hormone that may influence gastrointestinal motility. All patients developed abdominal meteorism within a few days of operation, which increased despite the passing of flatus and stool. Five cases resulted in caecum perforation before the correct diagnosis and treatment were made. Perforation occurred on days 3-4, day 5, or probably days 8-10 after the operation. One of these patients, who suffered from severe adipositas, died., Conclusion: It is very important to make an early diagnosis, as the condition can progress quickly. Diagnosis should be made on the history, clinical assessment, and abdominal X-ray. Intermittent flatus and stool are characteristic of this truly non-obstructive condition and should not therefore delay a diagnostic X-ray.

We recently encountered a patient with severe flatulence who previously had been subjected to innumerable diagnostic tests and ineffective therapies based on the belief that his rectal gas was produced in the colon. Analysis of three flatus samples demonstrated that nitrogen (N2) was the predominant flatus gas whereas the three gases produced in the gut (CO2, H2 [hydrogen], and CH4 [methane]) comprised <16% of rectal gas. This result plus a series of other diagnostic tests clearly indicated that the patient's flatus was derived almost entirely from swallowed air. Based on this case, the present report summarizes available data on excessive flatulence and suggests a rational approach to the patient complaining of this problem. Particular emphasis is placed upon a sequential strategy consisting of: 1) a count of flatus passages to determine if the subject truly is abnormal (normal: <20 passages/day); 2) an analysis of flatus to determine if the flatus originates from swallowed air (predominantly nitrogen) or intraluminal production (predominantly CO2, H2, and CH4); and 3) treatment based upon the origin of the rectal gas.

Gaseous belching, bloating, and flatulence are common complaints. These symptoms may herald the onset of important and treatable gastrointestinal diseases or may represent functional bowel disorders. The clinical challenge is to identify a cause so as to exclude serious gastrointestinal diseases and provide symptomatic relief. Detailed history taking and examination provide the basis for appropriate testing that may provide vital clues. Among otherwise healthy patients, intolerance to lactose or other food items is a common source of symptoms. This cause can be evaluated noninvasively using the breath hydrogen test. A clear understanding of the underlying pathophysiology paves the way for a rational approach to treatment, such as withdrawal of an offending food item, enzyme supplementation, simple reassurance, or psychotherapy.

Gastrointestinal gas causes distress in many patients and their parents. Most often, patients do not have an actual increase in gastrointestinal gas volume, but rather their complaints derive from a misunderstanding of normal physiology, a misinterpretation of symptoms (colic), or an increase in intestinal sensitivity (irritable bowel syndrome). Symptoms from actual increases in intestinal gas volume are seen most frequently in children who swallow excessive amounts of air, have a dysmotility syndrome, or consume foods containing poorly absorbed carbohydrates. Although many therapies are used in the treatment of gas-related symptoms, under close scrutiny, the commonly recommended agents (e.g. simethicone) do not have proven efficacy. An understanding of the physiology of gas production and disposal is of practical use to pediatricians in determining the appropriate method of intervention for patients with these complaints.

Breath hydrogen (H2), collected by end-expiratory sampling, was measured in twenty-five patients with abdominal symptoms or diarrhoea after ingesting 50 g. of lactose. This was compared with established tests of hypolactasia. Fifteen patients with a blood-glucose rise of more than 20 mg. per 100 ml. had less than 4 parts per million (p.p.m.) rise in breath H2 at 2 hours. In contrast, ten patients with blood-glucose rises of less than 20 mg. per 100 ml. had more than a 20 p.p.m. H2 rise (mean 85.8 p.p.m. plus or minus s.d. 44.3) at 2 hours. Similarly, two patients with normal jejunal lactase activity had no significant H2 production, whereas six patients with hypolactasia had more than a 20 p.p.m. rise in H2. Symptoms related to milk or lactose ingestion were found to be unreliable. End-expiratory sampling of breath H2 would seem to be a simple, non-invasive, and accurate method of diagnosing hypolactasia, which is also very acceptable to patients. This should make it a valuable tool both in diagnostic gastroenterology and in epidemiological surveys.

A prospective statistical study of clinical symptoms, radiological modifications of the colon and small bowel as judged by a morphometric method and dietary habits was performed in 106 patients who presented with functional intestinal disorders. Four different associations of symptoms and signs were found: a) pain, sometimes heavy, in the left upper quadrant and the ombilical region was associated with morphometric modifications of the small bowel: increased diameter of the upper part, decreased diameter and increased number of folds in the lower part of ileum; b) slight pain of the two upper quadrants and the two flanks was associated with flatulence, and was not correlated with modifications of the radiological aspect of the small bowel and colon; c) constipation and diarrhea were not correlated with any type of morphometric modifications of the colon; d) constipation was significantly correlated with low fiber diet.