Neurogastroenterology and Motility

Specialized, Multidisciplinary Care for a Range of Issues

UT Southwestern’s team works together to comprehensively evaluate and treat patients with GI motility problems that include:

• Esophageal issues such as swallowing disorders (dysphagia); primary motility disorders including achalasia and esophageal spasms; scleroderma esophagus; gastric reflux (GERD) that hasn’t responded to treatment and non-erosive reflux; functional heartburn; esophageal hypersensitivity; eosinophilic esophagitis; and non-cardiac chest pain
• Gastric disorders such as gastroparesis, functional dyspepsia, chronic nausea and vomiting, dumping syndrome, cyclical vomiting syndrome (CVS), and rumination
• Small bowel issues such as small bowel dysmotility, small intestine bacterial overgrowth, chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction, and ileus
• Colon issues such as constipation (slow transit/colonic inertia), fecal incontinence, pelvic floor dysfunction, and dyssynergic/obstructed defecation

Diagnosis of Neurogastroenterological Disorders

If our team suspects a neurogastroenterological disorder, we first conduct a thorough physical examination and talk with the patient about his or her medical and family history. Diagnostic tests might include: 

• Radiologic imaging studies such as gastric emptying studies, computed tomography (CT) scan, and small bowel enterography
  
• Laboratory analysis (pathology)
  
• Endoscopic studies including upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, and endoscopic ultrasound
  
• Motility studies such as high-resolution esophageal motility studies, 24-hour impedance pH studies, BRAVO, SmartPill, high-resolution anorectal manometry, and wireless capsule endoscopy

Treatment of Neurogastroenterological Disorders

Treatment for neurogastroenterological and motility problems depends on the specific condition. UT Southwestern offers treatments that include:

• Medications, including clinical trials
  
• Endoscopic interventions such as enteroscopy, esophageal dilation, pneumatic dilation, Botox injection, and feeding tubes
  
• Specialized pelvic floor physical therapy
  
• Biofeedback and counseling
  
• Nutrition and dietary guidance
• Surgical interventions, including InterStim and Solesta