Gastroenterology: the first 40 years

Functional gastroenterological disorders were diagnosed in over 50 per cent of patients aged 40 years and under, referred to a district general hospital combined gastroenterology clinic. Peptic ulceration, gastro-oesophageal reflux, biliary tract disease and inflammatory bowel disease accounted for almost 70 per cent of the organic disorders encountered. Malignant disease was rare. The implications for diagnostic investigation in this age group are discussed.