Intestinal dysmotility and its relationship to sphincter of Oddi dysfunction.

Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) is a clinical entity that presents with pain as the predominant symptom, and patients may require invasive procedures for its proper diagnosis. Those with abnormal sphincter of Oddi manometry (SOM) are commonly treated with endoscopic ablation of the sphincter. The results of such therapy vary and depend on the type of SOD. In the past several years, evidence has emerged of an association between SOD, intestinal dysmotility, and visceral hyperalgesia. This article reviews the evidence supporting such an association.