Motility Program

The Gastrointestinal Motility Program offers diagnosis and treatment of motility disorders of the entire gastrointestinal tract for patients with mild to complex conditions. Gastroenterology physicians work closely with physicians of many medical specialties including radiology, pathology and surgery. Patients have access to traditional treatment techniques including new diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Motility Disorders

• Achalasia
• Bacterial overgrowth
• Barrett's esophagus
• Constipation
• Dyspepsia
• Fecal incontinence (weak sphincter)
• Gastroesophageal reflux (acidic and non-acidic)
• Gastroparesis
• GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
• Intestinal pseudo-obstruction

Diagnosis and Treatment

Common symptoms of motility disorders, such as bloating, heartburn and difficulty swallowing frequently go unexplained despite routine testing and treatment. In these cases, the problem often lies in the way the intestine's muscles and nerves work together to move food down the GI tract.

In addition to routine evaluations, gastroenterologists use advanced testing when diagnosing motility disorders, including:

• Impedance-pH monitoring for non-acidic reflux
• 24- and 48-hour Bravo^® monitoring of esophageal acidity
• HALO ablation therapy for Barrett's esophagus
• High-resolution esophageal and anorectal manometry
• Hydrogen breath testing for bacterial overgrowth
• Intestinal transit testing for patients with chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome
• SmartPill testing for patients with gastroparesis and chronic constipation

Making a diagnosis is essential in opening up new treatment options for patients who have grown used to suffering. Effective remedies such as dietary changes or medications to prevent motility disorders from worsening are important as well.

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