摘要: The irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is an enigmatic and variable constellation of symptoms accounting for 20 to 30 percent patients referred a gastroenterologist who devotes much his time proving that they do not have more serious disease. Were it the IBS, fewer physicians would be required diagnosis organic gut disorders easier. This chapter will emphasize great prevalence lack any reliable pathophysiologic marker or test, patient’s hidden agenda, which may little with physical symptoms, importance positive diagnosis, Sir William Osler’s principle “do no harm” in investigation treatment. Because this troubling enough, inappropriate tests treatments can only make matters worse.