Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

Irritable bowel syndrome and functional gastrointestinal disorders are longstanding conditions. The symptoms may come and go and even change with time. In the absence of alarm features there is no urgent need for excessive investigations. There is no “cure” but the bothersome symptoms can usually be brought under control by reducing it to a manageable level.

Due the varying symptoms and potential causes, the treatment may require using different methods which include diet, stress and lifestyle management in addition to medications and occasionally surgery. A combination of these treatments is often required for severe cases. Our centre offers a comprehensive and integrated service to manage these disorders comprising of gastroenterologist, gastrointestinal surgeons, psychiatrist and dieticians. Our current resources include:

• Integrated multidisciplinary functional gastrointestinal disorder clinic( “IBS Clinic”)
• Comprehensive psychological intervention for functional gastrointestinal disorders.
• Specialised IBS dietician service for Low FODMAP (Fermentable Oligo- Di-Monosaccharides and Polyols) Diet.

Gastrointestinal function investigations include:

• High resolution esophageal manometry
• 24 hour pH impedance monitoring
• Hydrogen breath test
  
• High resolution anal manometry
• Balloon expansion rectal sensation
• Pudendal nerve terminal latency test
• Endoanal ultrasound
• Magnetic resonance evacuation proctography
• Gastrointestinal transit studies.