Neurogastroenterology and Motility Program

At Phoenix Children’s, we offer several programs and services to diagnose and treat motility disorders. Getting an accurate diagnosis is key to finding the best treatment solution for your child.

Diagnostic Procedures

A test to evaluate how well the colon can transport waste from the small intestine to the rectum.

A test used to evaluate the nerve and muscle function in the rectum and anus. This test is often performed on patients with stool incontinence (inability to control bowel movements) or chronic constipation. An anorectal manometry exam takes 45 minutes to perform. No anesthesia is required, and patients go home the same day.

A test to study the function of the upper intestine (stomach and small bowel). This test is often used to evaluate patients who have gastroparesis (delayed emptying of the stomach). During this study, an endoscope tube is used to place a catheter in the upper intestine. Doctors use the catheter to measure function. Antroduodenal manometry exams take several days and require a hospital stay.

A test that measures the function of the colon. This test can help doctors understand the cause of chronic constipation and stool incontinence. During this test, doctors perform a colonoscopy to place a catheter inside the colon. This catheter measures colon function. Colonic manometry exams take several days and require a hospital stay.

A test to evaluate the function of the muscles in the esophagus. This test can help diagnose swallowing dysfunction and gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). Esophageal manometry exams take about 45 minutes. No anesthesia is required, and patients go home the same day.

Performed by the aerodigestive team, these tests measure levels of acidity (pH) in the stomach and esophagus to help diagnose gastroesophageal reflex disease (GERD). Anesthesia may be required. Patients usually go home the same day.

Non-invasive nuclear medicine studies, including gastric emptying scans, assess the health and function of the GI tract. These tests give the doctor a clearer understanding of how well the colon is working, as well as the child’s motility in general. These tests are not painful, and a hospital stay is not needed for the testing.

GI X-rays create images of the digestive system to help the doctor make a diagnosis to develop a treatment plan. These tests are not painful or invasive, and a hospital stay is not needed.

Contrast imaging techniques include contrast enema as well as upper GI studies with small bowel follow through to help the doctor visualize the inside of the digestive tract.

EndoFlip & EsoFlip

Children with motility problems in their esophagus may benefit from EndoFlip or EsoFlip evaluations.

  • EndoFlip, like esophageal manometry, allows physicians to measure the function of the muscles in the esophagus. This procedure helps diagnose narrowing (stricture) in the esophagus, and achalasia. With anesthesia, your child will be asleep during EndoFlip. A catheter with a balloon on the end is placed through the mouth and into the esophagus. The doctor inflates the balloon to measure the size and pressure inside the esophagus.
  • EsoFlip treats certain conditions of the esophagus. During EsoFlip, a balloon is used to dilate (stretch) the esophagus.

Pelvic Floor Therapy & Biofeedback Program for Constipation

Many children struggle with constipation, which is considered chronic if it lasts six months or longer.

For some children, constipation is caused by problems with the way their rectum or anus develops at birth. For others, constipation is a result of waiting too long to use the bathroom. When children “hold it” too long, they get used to constantly squeezing the muscles in their anus that should relax during a bowel movement.

At Phoenix Children’s, we offer anorectal biofeedback for the treatment of chronic constipation. This therapy uses a device to measure how muscles respond to electrical stimulation. Our team incorporates video games into biofeedback therapy to teach children correct muscle control.

We’re Here for You

Our dedicated and compassionate team of motility experts will provide personalized care for your child every step of the way. We’ll continue partnering with your family until we develop the best care plan for your child. Our vast experience with a full range of GI motility disorders ensures we have the expertise your family needs to better understand your child’s condition – and to find a lasting solution that works.