Pediatric Neurogastroenterology and Motility Disorders Program

Pediatric Neurogastroenterology and Motility Disorders Program

Providing the latest biofeedback technology to target and resolve your child’s severe constipation and motility disorders

Constipation is a common problem in children and is usually easily managed with changes in diet and lifestyle. However, when constipation becomes severe, it can lead to accidents of stool or urine, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting. We offer diagnostic tests and state-of-the art treatments for motility disorders that interfere with your child’s comfort and health.

Motility is simply the muscles (sphincters) of the GI tract contracting in the esophagus, stomach, and small and large intestines. When these muscles fail to function properly, it causes a motility disorder that can present with symptoms of persistent nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or bloating, constipation and fecal incontinence.

At Children's Health℠ our treatment methods focus on discovering the mind-body connection to these GI conditions, and care is delivered by a robust, pediatric multidisciplinary team that includes:

  • Gastroenterologists
  • Nurse practitioners
  • GI dietitians
  • GI psychologists
  • Otolaryngologists (ENT) 
  • Pain management 
  • Pulmonologists

WATCHthe video

Jasmin is an accomplished musician and artist; she is also a dedicated student and beloved daughter, niece and granddaughter. Her family stands beside her through a condition called cyclic vomiting. The condition has already caused her to stay in the hospital more than a dozen times in her life.

On one extended stay, the family encountered a Children’s Health Child Life Specialist named Keeley who impacted her in a powerful way.

Jasmin’s mom Kimberly says, “Jasmin and I were overwhelmed with compassion and kindness that has left footprints on our hearts. We will forever be grateful to Keeley and how much she went above and beyond.”

Home of a certified motility lab

Our program is certified as a motility laboratory by the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society (ANMS). The team cares for more children in the region than any other – with over 200 procedures performed annually by compassionate motility nurses in a setting that puts your child at ease. 

Gut health research in action

The key to a healthy digestive system is your child’s gut health. Our team is dedicated to microbiome research to help determine the brain-gut connection and how a healthy microbiome mitigates different diseases. We also study the developing gut and its motility, and have research focusing on treatments for abdominal pain in irritable bowel syndrome as well as gastroparesis.

We’ve seen such improvements in his overall health and quality of life and are so grateful for the difference Children’s has made in his life.
Jessica, Mark's mom

Testing and treatment

Our state-of-the-art motility program offers diagnostic testing for motility disorders throughout the GI tract ranging from esophageal manometry, antroduodenal manometry, colonic manometry and anorectal manometry with testing for rectal sensations. We also offer impedance testing for reflux.

Treatment options include a bowel management program, multidisciplinary abdominal pain management program, pacemaker for gastroparesis, anorectal biofeedback program for issues with stool accidents as well as a multidisciplinary aerodigestive program

Contact the pediatric GI specialists at Children’s Health for help with motility and impedance issues.

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