Gastrointestinal Motility Program
The Yale Medicine Gastrointestinal Motility Program is led by a team of gastroenterologists who subspecialize in motility disorders. We work in collaboration with radiologists, colorectal, surgeons, GI surgeons, thoracic surgeons, urologists, urogynecologists, and physical therapists to care for patients with complex motility disorders. As part of our multidisciplinary approach, our team meets monthly to discuss complex cases to ensure that each patient receives an individualized treatment plan. We strive to provide excellent care in a compassionate way.
Our Services
Our state-of-the-art services include:
- The Bravo pH Monitoring System, a catheter-free instrument that measures acidity levels in patients suspected of having gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A small capsule is attached to the wall of the esophagus, which transmits data to a pager-sized receiver, which is worn for 48 hours. During this time, patients push a button whenever they experience symptoms, so we can determine if the symptoms correlate with incidents of acid reflux. When the test is over, data from the receiver is downloaded to pH analysis software, where it is analyzed.
- The SmartPill Capsule, a new technology available at only about a dozen medical centers around the country. The ingestible, wireless capsule measures pressure, pH, and temperature as it moves through the GI tract, allowing physicians to identify where abnormalities in intestinal transit are located. The SmartPill transmits information to a data receiver worn by patients. After the capsule has passed from the body, patients return the receiver to the physician, who is able to display and analyze the data within minutes.
- Impedance monitoring is a catheter-based system that enables doctors to diagnose nonacid reflux. Patients wear the monitoring system for 24 hours, and push a button whenever they experience symptoms. Physicians then download and analyze the data to determine whether the reflux is acidic or nonacidic, and whether the symptoms correlate with incidents of reflux.