Darmtönen

Darmtönen refers to the sounds produced by the gastrointestinal tract during peristalsis and gas movement. The term is used in medical examination to describe auscultatory findings of the abdomen. They are typically assessed using a stethoscope placed on the abdomen with the patient lying supine. Normal Darmtönen are described as irregular, soft, gurgling noises that occur every few seconds. The sounds result from peristaltic contractions and the movement of air and fluid within the intestines; their pitch and rhythm depend on segmental activity and gas content.

Abnormal Darmtönen are categorized as hypoactive (reduced or absent sounds) or hyperactive (more frequent, louder sounds). Hypoactive tones can follow abdominal surgery, with peritoneal irritation, or in late pregnancy; absent bowel sounds may indicate ileus, peritonitis, or severe obstruction. Hyperactive tones, including borborygmi, may be seen with gastroenteritis or early intestinal obstruction.

Clinical use: assessment of Darmtönen helps in forming a differential diagnosis for abdominal pain, distension, and vomiting. However, auscultation alone has limited diagnostic precision and must be integrated with imaging and laboratory tests.

Etymology: Darmtönen combines Darm (intestine) and Tönen (tones). In German clinical practice the term is closely related to the English 'bowel sounds' and the term 'Borborygmi' for audible rumbling.