Esophageal and Anorectal Motility Clinic

Esophageal and swallowing disorders are conditions that affect the esophagus, a muscular tube that transports food and liquids from the mouth into the stomach. Disorders of the esophagus include Barrett’s esophagus, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), esophageal strictures, gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE), and early stage esophageal cancer. Swallowing disorders can include structural abnormalities, eosinophilic esophagitis and neurologic problems that make swallowing difficult.

These disorders are wide ranged and may include diarrhea, hemorrhoids, abscesses, fistula, fissures, anal itching, warts and rectal prolapse. It is important for the clinician to be familiar with these disorders as well as know how to conduct an appropriate history and physical examination. 

Esophageal manometry is a test used to evaluate how well the esophagus muscles work to transport liquids/food from your mouth into your stomach. Esophageal manometry is typically performed to evaluate the symptoms of gastric reflux, heartburn, difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, and functional chest pain. This test may also be used in preoperative evaluation for anti-reflux surgery. It can also be used to determine esophageal distance measurement needed for performing ambulatory pH/Impedance diagnostic test.

High resolution anorectal manometry is a test used to evaluate the function and coordination of the sphincter and pelvic floor muscles of the anorectal anatomy. This study also assesses the measurement of resting and squeeze pressures, as well as the length of the anal canal.