Brochures, Fact Sheets & Articles

Topic: Tests, lower GI tract

1. Fact Sheet: Physiological Testing of the Colon, Rectum and Anus

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   By: Bruce A. Orkin, MD

   Often a diagnosis of a functional GI disorder can be made based on a history and physical examination. Sometimes exxtensive testing may be needed to find a cause. A review of tests used to examine bowel structure and function.

   Topics: Bowel urgency, Constipation, difficult to pass stools, Incontinence, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Lower Abdominal Pain, Pelvic Pain, Motility, Tests, lower GI tract
   Non-Member Price: $0.99

2. Fact Sheet: Colonoscopy and Sigmoidoscopy: What to Expect

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   By: W. Grant Thompson, MD, FRCPC

   Your doctor has suggested that you have a colonoscopy, or perhaps a shorter version called a sigmoidoscopy. For that purpose you are referred to a specialist, usually a gastroenterologist who is specially trained to do the procedure. This article describes what to expect.

   Topics: Tests, lower GI tract
   Non-Member Price: $0.99

3. Fact Sheet: Current Approach to the Diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

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   By: George F. Longstreth, MD

   In the past two decades, medical opinion has changed regarding how to diagnose IBS. The older view emphasized that IBS should be regarded primarily as a "diagnosis of exclusion;" that is, diagnosed only after diagnostic testing excludes many disorders that could possibly cause the symptoms. Fortunately, physicians can now diagnose IBS in most patients by recognizing certain symptom details, performing a physical examination, and undertaking limited diagnostic testing. This simpler approach is grounded on recent knowledge...and it leads to a reliable diagnosis in most cases. (Revised and Updated 2009)

   Topics: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Tests, lower GI tract, Working with your healthcare provider
   Non-Member Price: $0.99

4. Fact Sheet: Diagnostic Tests in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients

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   By: Brooks D. Cash, MD, FACP, CDR, MC, USN; William D. Chey, MD

   The diagnosis of IBS is made through a careful history and physical examination as well as the performance of a limited medical evaluation with a variety of tests. In the absence of a definitive test, formal symptom-based criteria have been developed for the diagnosis of IBS. When are diagnostic tests indicated? A review of diagnostic evaluation of patients with suspected IBS including structural tests (like x-ray or colonoscopy), blood tests, stool analysis, and breath tests.

   Topics: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Tests, lower GI tract
   Non-Member Price: $0.99

5. Fact Sheet: How to Prepare for Tests

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   By: W. Grant Thompson, MD, FRCPC

   In many cases, doctors can make a diagnosis of a functional gastrointestinal disorder after a careful history and examination. Often, however, there is a structural disease that must be excluded by tests that probe the gastrointestinal tract. This fact sheet reviews preparation for common tests, including sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.
   Topics: Constipation, difficult to pass stools, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Motility, Pelvic floor disorders, Stomach Disorders, Tests, lower GI tract, Tests, upper GI tract
   Non-Member Price: FREE

6. Fact Sheet: How Can I Determine if I Received a Thorough Colonoscopy?

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   By: Thomas Puetz, MD

   Colonoscopy is currently our most effective means of reducing the incidence of colon cancer, but only slightly over one-third of eligible persons elect to have a colonoscopy. With the inconvenience and expense of colonoscopy incurred, one should expect and receive a thorough examination. This article outlines some way to ensure that your colonoscopy is performed correctly and thoroughly.

   Topics: Clinical Corner, colonoscopy, Constipation, difficult to pass stools, diagnosis, Diarrhea, loose stools, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Motility, Other Disorders/Symptoms, Tests, lower GI tract, Working with your healthcare provider
   Non-Member Price: $0.99

7. Fact Sheet: Report from IFFGD Research Award Winner: Diagnostic Testing in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Theory vs. Reality

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   By: Brennan M. R. Spiegel, MD

   Dr. Spiegel is a recipient of a 2007 IFFGD Research Award. In this article, Dr. Spiegel discusses some of the challenges in diagnosing IBS, including whether or not to perform multiple diagnostic tests,

   Topics: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Research, Tests, lower GI tract, Working with your healthcare provider
   Non-Member Price: $0.99

8. Fact Sheet: Dyssynergic Defecation: Questions and Answers About a Common Cause of Chronic Constipation

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   By: Satish S.C. Rao, MD, PhD, FRCP (LON)

   Constipation affects nearly everyone at some point in their lives. Constipation that occurs now and then may result from many factors such as dietary changes, some medicines, or inactivity or travel and will generally respond to simple lifestyle measures. But constipation that is long-lasting or keeps coming back (chronic) may require more effort to diagnose and treat. When that happens, a trip to the doctor is in order to find out the cause and develop a treatment plan.

   Topics: Constipation, difficult to pass stools, Pelvic floor disorders, Tests, lower GI tract
   Non-Member Price: $0.99

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