The Penn Medicine Neurogastroenterology and Motility Program is dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment and study of disorders of the enteric nervous system (ENS), which controls the functions of the GI tract.
Neurogastroenterology and GI motility disorders, such as gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) and constipation, are the leading cause of visits to gastroenterologists across the United States. Motility disorders cause issues in the GI tract and either speed up or slow down digestion.
The Neurogastroenterology and Motility program includes experts in gastroenterology, nutrition and behavioral health who work together to help treat your specific motility disorder and its symptoms and improve your quality of life.
We are among the largest and most experienced programs in the region in treating motility disorders of the esophagus, stomach and intestines, including even the most complex cases.
GI Motility Disorders We Treat
Motility disorder symptoms are among the most commonly treated in gastroenterology.
We provide the most advanced diagnostic and therapeutic options for motility disorders and focus on common conditions, such as fecal incontinence, as well as rarer conditions, including gastroparesis.
Motility Disorder Diagnosis
The Penn Medicine Neurogastroenterology and Motility Program performs a full suite of services to accurately diagnose motility disorders so that we can begin effectively treating the disorder and its symptoms as quickly as possible.
Our motility disorder diagnostic services include:
- Anorectal manometry measures the pressures of the anal and rectal muscles that are needed for normal bowel movements. The study uses a thin, flexible tube with a balloon at the tip that is inserted into the rectum to detect pressure. An expert in motility disorders interprets the results.
- Esophageal manometry measures the strength and function of the muscles in the esophagus. The study is done using a small flexible catheter that is connected to a computer monitoring system. The catheter is inserted through the nose into the esophagus and passed into the stomach. After the procedure, a specially trained doctor examines the recording to identify any abnormalities.
- Hydrogen breath testing is used to check for bacterial overgrowth or intolerances to naturally occurring sugars such as lactose and fructose. These tests use breath samples to measure levels of hydrogen and methane, which can signal issues with your digestive health.
- pH monitoring measures the amount of acid exposure in your esophagus. The procedure uses a small pH probe that is inserted through the nose and sits in the lower esophagus to measure the degree of acid reflux you experience and when it occurs, including in relationship to your symptoms.
- Wireless motility testing uses a small, ingestible capsule that gathers information about how quickly or slowly your digestive system moves. After ingesting the capsule during an office visit, our specially trained physicians can monitor how the capsule travels through your GI tract until it passes naturally from your body.
Motility Disorder Treatment Options
Many motility disorders come with complex symptoms, and the treatment options available to you will depend upon your specific diagnosis. We will work with you to understand your symptoms and goals to create a treatment plan that is tailored to you.
If you live outside of the region, we may be able to work in coordination with your local physician to treat your motility disorder without requiring regular travel to Philadelphia.
Medicines
There are many prescription and over-the-counter medications available to help relieve the symptoms of many motility disorders.
We will work closely with you, taking into account your diagnosis, symptoms and lifestyle goals, to recommend the most appropriate medicine for you.
Diet
The symptoms of some motility disorders can be managed by making relatively minor behavioral changes and maintaining a healthy diet.
Our team, which includes registered dietitians, will work with you to determine whether a specific diet can help relieve some of your symptoms and help you make healthy, sustainable changes.
Clinical Trials
Experts in the Neurogastroenterology and Motility Program also conduct regular clinical research to learn more about motility disorders and develop and improve treatment options for the conditions and their symptoms. We work in partnership with the PennCHOP Microbiome Program and the Penn Center for Nutritional Science and Medicine on research projects related to neurogastroenterology and motility.
Our program also sponsors several educational opportunities and fellowships to train the next generation of leaders in the field.
Surgery
Surgery is sometimes a consideration if a motility disorder and its symptoms cannot be effectively managed with other treatment options.
Penn Medicine is home to experts in gastrointestinal surgery who offer minimally invasive surgical options to treat a variety of gastrointestinal disorders.
Request an Appointment
Call 800-789-7366 or submit our online form.