The functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are a heterogeneous group of chronic conditions that are relevant to public health because they are remarkably common, can be disabling, and induce a major social and economic burden. Estimates vary, but about 1 in 4 people or more in the U.S. have one of these disorders. The conditions account for about 40% of GI problems seen by doctors and therapists. In the last years, we are focusing our research on understanding the mechanisms by which these conditions can be manifest. In particular, our studies are concentrating on the role of the new techniques able to characterize these patients, including the use of high-resolution manometry, impedance-pH testing and endoflip. Our aim is to comprehensively and systematically identify and validate new therapeutic targets, to improve our diagnostic algorithm, to increase our therapeutic strategies and to evaluate the effect of these conditions on the quality of life and work disability.

Publications:

Savarino E, Bredenoord AJ, Fox M, Pandolfino JE, Roman S, Gyawali CP; International Working Group for Disorders of Gastrointestinal Motility and Function. Expert consensus document: Advances in the physiological assessment and diagnosis of GERD. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2017 Nov;14(11):665-676

Salvador R, Voltarel G, Savarino E, Capovilla G, Pesenti E, Perazzolo A, Nicoletti L, Costantini A, Merigliano S, Costantini M. The natural history of achalasia: Evidence of a continuum-"The evolutive pattern theory". Dig Liver Dis. 2018 Apr;50(4):342-347

Salvador R, Savarino E, Pesenti E, Spadotto L, Voltarel G, Capovilla G, Cavallin F, Nicoletti L, Valmasoni M, Ruol A, Merigliano S, Costantini M. Effects of laparoscopic myotomy on the esophageal motility pattern of esophageal achalasia as measured by high-resolution manometry. Surg Endosc. 2017 Sep;31(9):3510-3518

Gyawali CP, Kahrilas PJ, Savarino E, Zerbib F, Mion F, Smout AJPM, Vaezi M, Sifrim D, Fox MR, Vela MF, Tutuian R, Tack J, Bredenoord AJ, Pandolfino J, Roman S. Modern diagnosis of GERD: the Lyon Consensus. Gut. 2018 Jul;67(7):1351-1362

Tolone S, de Cassan C, de Bortoli N, Roman S, Galeazzi F, Salvador R, Marabotto E, Furnari M, Zentilin P, Marchi S, Bardini R, Sturniolo GC, Savarino V, Savarino E. Esophagogastric junction morphology is associated with a positive impedance-pH monitoring in patients with GERD. Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2015 Aug;27(8):1175-82

Funding:

2010 - Title of The Research Project “Relationship Between Gastro-oesophageal Reflux And Pulmonary Fibrosis In Scleroderma Patients – A Study Using Impedance-pH And High Resolution Computed Tomography” Funded by Italian Society of Gastroenterology (SIGE)

People involved:

Fabio Farinati, Full Professor
Edoardo V. Savarino, Associate Professor
Fabiana Zingone, Associate Professor
Renato Salvador, Associate Professor

Group members:

Anna D’Odorico, Francesca Galeazzi, Brigida Barberio (Consultant Gastroenterologists), Sonia Facchin, Ilaria Marsilio, Daria Maniero (Research Fellows), Greta Lorenzon (Research Nurse)