In the Motility Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, we diagnose complex motility disorders using advanced expertise and technology. Motility testing techniques study how the intestine moves, contracts and relaxes. It can also measure intestinal perception, including the threshold for discomfort and pain from the intestine.
Anorectal manometry is used to test for the normal relaxation of the muscles which help to control bowel movements.
Antroduodenal manometry is used to study how the stomach and the first part of the small intestine are working.
Colonic manometry is used to study how the colon is working. A catheter is placed in the colon and attached to a computer that records the strength and coordination of muscle contractions in the colon.
Esophageal manometry is used to study how the esophagus (swallowing tube) is working. A small tube (catheter) is passed through the nose and into the esophagus.
The gastric pacemaker is inserted into the abdomen, with electrical wires leading to the stomach. It sends electrical impulses to stimulate the stomach after eating.
Nationwide Children's is unique in its approach to treating children with retentive fecal incontinence by the placement of minimally invasive percutaneous cecostomy tube.
Per Oral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) is a procedure used to treat children who have trouble eating, swallowing or keeping down food. It treats swallowing disorders caused by muscle spasms in the esophagus or when the muscles at the bottom of the esophagus do not relax when the child eats.
Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is a promising new technique offered to children who experience urinary and/or fecal incontinence or chronic constipation after other treatments have been unsuccessful. Patients meet with a multi-disciplinary team that determines the individualized treatment plan.
