Abstract:
The bewildering complexity of the enteric nervous system makes it susceptible to develop a wide array of motility disorders, collectively called enteric neuropathies. These gastrointestinal conditions are among the most challenging to manage, mainly given poor characterization of their etiopathophysiology and outcomes. Not surprisingly, therefore, targeted or curative therapies for enteric neuropathies are lacking and management is largely symptomatic. Nonetheless, recent advances in neurogastroenterology have witnessed improvements in established strategies, such as intestinal transplantation and the emergence of new treatments including novel drugs, electrical pacing, and manipulation of fecal microbiota, as well as stem cell and gene therapy.