We provide advanced evaluations, diagnoses and treatment of the following gastrointestinal motility and function disorders:
- Barrett’s esophagus is a precancerous condition in the lower esophagus, often due to repeated exposure to stomach acid. It is most often diagnosed in people with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and is characterized by a change in the color of the lining of the lower esophagus.
- Chronic constipation generally includes infrequent bowel movements (less than three times a week over several months) and may be caused by such conditions as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or pelvic floor dysfunction (when the muscles that surround a woman’s rectum do not function normally). Other, more serious conditions, such as colon cancer, an underactive thyroid gland, or neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease may be the cause.
- Esophageal motility disorders impact the movement (motility) of the muscles in the esophagus. These disorders can cause difficulty swallowing, regurgitation of food (acid reflux) and spasm type pain.
- Achalasia occurs when the valve-like, circular muscles in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) are unable to completely relax and the smooth muscle walls of the esophagus are unable to move food down the esophagus to the small intestine.
- Diffuse esophageal spasm occurs when there are uncoordinated contractions of the esophagus and food is not propelled effectively into the small intestine.
- Nutcracker esophagus is a condition that causes difficulty swallowing both solid and liquid foods and derives its name from the level of increased pressure present in the esophagus during testing that is equivalent to the pressure exerted with a mechanical nutcracker.
- Fecal incontinence refers to the loss of regular control of the bowels. It is more common in older adults and often accompanied by involuntary excretion or leaking.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is commonly known as “acid reflux.” GERD occurs when liquid content of the stomach backs up into the esophagus and irritates the lining there. Chronic GERD symptoms can cause damage to your esophagus and may result in more serious digestive disorders like esophageal cancer, if left untreated.
- Gastroparesis is also called “delayed gastric emptying.” This condition consists of partial paralysis (paresis) of the stomach, which results in food remaining in the stomach for a longer period of time than normal. If left untreated, gastroparesis can lead to malnutrition and GERD.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is also known as a spastic colon and often characterized by chronic abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating and changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation).