[Diagnostic approach to the patient with malabsorption (author's transl)].

Malabsorption is eminently treatable, by specific therapy of the underlying disease in the majority of cases, or, at least, by correction of developing nutritional deficiencies. We, therefore, owe our patients that we will not rest until a diagnosis is established. The large majority of patients can be diagnosed with techniques available to most practicing physicians and general hospitals. In the rare instance where a diagnosis cannot be reached, the physician should not hesitate to refer the patients to a center spezializing in gastrointestinal diseases.