Neurogastroenterology and Motility Testing

A motility disorder, which alters the movement of food, liquid and waste through your digestive system, can cause pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation and a wide range of other uncomfortable symptoms. Gastroenterologists in the Sutter Health network use advanced motility testing to measure the function of the digestive tract and make an accurate diagnosis. Here are some of the most frequently used tests.  

Esophageal Testing

• Bravo pH Testing — A wireless transducer in the lower esophagus records abnormal acid reflux activity.
• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)/Barostat Procedures — A multi-step test that involves having an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, followed by the use of a barostat tube that measures muscle function in the top part of the stomach.
• Esophageal EndoFLIP — A special imaging prope measures the capacity and diameter of the junction between the esophagus and stomach.
• High Resolution Esophageal Manometry with Transit — Specialized tools track the progression of food or drink through the esophagus.
• 24-hour pH Impedance Monitoring — Measures how often stomach acid enters the esophagus and how long it stays there. It also detects reflux of nonacidic contents, such as bile.

Gastric Testing

• Electrogastrogram — Records stomach muscle electrical signals and conduction before and after ingesting food.
• Gastric Barostat Studies — These studies measure gastric motor activity as changes occur in stomach volume and pressure. They can show whether the upper stomach relaxes adequately during eating and how much filling of the stomach it takes to cause discomfort.
• Gastric Emptying Study — Measures the flow of liquids or solids through the stomach.
• Pyloric EndoFLIP — A special imaging probe measures pyloric sphincter pressure.
• Pyloric Manometry — Measures the pressure in your stomach and small intestine to determine whether you have problems with your pyloric sphincter, which pushes food from your stomach to the small intestine.
• Temporary Gastric Stimulators — Devices used to assess whether a patient with gastroparesis will have a good response to a permanent stimulator, which is used to relieve nausea and vomiting.

Small Bowel/ Upper Intestine Testing

• Antroduodenal Manometry — Measures pressure waves in terms of strength and pattern in the stomach and adjacent small bowel.
• Breath Hydrogen — Detects and measures small bowel bacterial overgrowth to evaluate and investigate gastrointestinal disorders.

Anorectal Testing

• Anorectal Manometry — Measures anal pressure and rectal sensations, and assesses the nerve reflexes of patients with fecal incontinence or constipation.
• Colon Motility — Measures the degree of abnormal contractions and movement of stool in the colon.
• Defecography — An imaging exam that shows the rectum and anal canal changes that happen during a bowel movement.
• Colon Transit Study — This imaging test, also known as a Sitz marker study, measures how quickly food moves through the colon in patients with chronic constipation.
• Endorectal Endoscopic Ultrasound of the Anal Sphincter — An imaging exam to assess the structure and integrity of the sphincter muscles in patients with fecal incontinence.