GI Motility Testing

Specialists at Cedars-Sinai offer advanced GI motility tests to identify and treat a wide range of digestive tract conditions.

GI Motility Tests at Cedars-Sinai

Our doctors are actively involved in the testing process, customizing and adapting the testing to get the most accurate results. We then recommend the best treatment plan for your needs. Motility tests include:

High-resolution anorectal manometry detects problems with bowel movements. The test measures the strength and reflexes of the anal sphincter and rectal muscles, helping us identify conditions such as:

We place a small tube through the nose and down to the stomach. This test allows our experts to observe motility in the stomach and duodenum (the first part of the intestine). Antroduodenal manometry can help identify:

The balloon expulsion and rectal sensitivity test is used to identify issues with defecation. This simple test uses a balloon that is inserted into your lower rectum, which you then expel. The balloon then imitates the process of you evacuating stool during a bowel movement.

Using a computer, electrodes and a pressure device, we observe how the digestive system is functioning. We can pinpoint areas in the digestive system that are weak or problematic. Once we identify the problem area, we recommend exercises to strengthen the area. Biofeedback can help diagnose:

Breath tests help our team identify specific types of intolerances, such as lactose or glucose intolerance. During this test, you drink a sugary beverage. Over a few hours, we monitor the level of hydrogen and methane you exhale as your body processes the sugar. High levels of hydrogen may indicate an intolerance. We perform breath tests to diagnose:

  • Helicobacter pylori
  • Carbohydrate intolerance (lactose, fructose, sucrose)
  • Bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine (SIBO)

While you are under anesthesia, specialists thread a small tube through the anus to the cecum. The tube is used to infuse radiolabeled material in the colon to monitor its movement. This is called dynamic scintigraphy study. This test helps us to diagnose colonic inertia.

EndoFLIP is an advanced technology we use to measure the pressure and size of gastrointestinal organs. It can tell us how solid and strong the walls of the organ are, so we can find the cause of:

We use a thin tube with a camera attached to see detailed images of the upper and lower GI tract. Endoscopies are common procedures that we use to diagnose: 

Sometimes, the food pipe (esophagus) can spasm, causing pain. This test monitors the pressure in the food pipe when you swallow. We thread a thin catheter through the nose and into the esophagus to monitor pressure fluctuations. Esophageal manometry helps identify:

We thread a catheter with a recording device through the nose and into the esophagus. The device measures how much stomach acid backs up into the esophagus over 24, 48 or 96 hours. We frequently use this test for:

There are multiple tests to diagnosis laryngopharyngeal reflux which typically involve a physical exam to assess your throat and voice box.  Additional tests include an endoscopic exam using a special camera or pH monitoring.

This test involves measuring the amount of pancreatic polypeptide in your blood. Our team will analyze the blood levels of this substance to determine if the vagal nerve is injured.

This is a small capsule that endoscopically is attached to your esophagus to monitor the amount of acid refluxing back into the esophagus from the stomach for 48 to 96 hours.

We've applied smart technology to gastrointestinal testing. During a 15-to-30 minute appointment, you swallow a wireless capsule and set up the data receiver.

The capsule travels through the digestive system, measuring pH levels, temperature and pressure throughout the GI tract. Your body naturally passes the capsule through stool. This test offers an in-depth look at motility in the digestive tract, allowing our team to pinpoint trouble areas.

Have Questions or Need Help?

To make an appointment or refer a patient, call us or send a message to the GI Motility team. You can also have us call you back at your convenience.

Monday through Friday, 8 am - 5 pm PT

7 days a week, 6 am - 9 pm PT

(1-800-233-2771)