Pediatric Motility Testing
Pediatric motility testing
Pediatric motility testing provides your child's care team with information regarding how the intestines move, relax, and contract. Motility testing also allows your child's care team the ability to measure perceptions of the gastrointestinal complaints, including discomfort and pain.
Colonic manometry testing evaluates how the muscles of the colon work. During this test, the care team places a catheter in the colon (or large intestine) to assist with measuring how the muscles and nerves are working. The manometry catheter is placed by colonoscopy while your child is sedated. The catheter is connected to a computer that measures the coordination and strength of the colonic muscles. The test is performed once your child wakes from sedation.
Esophageal manometry is a test to evaluate how the esophagus works. Your child will be awake during the test. The care team will place a small catheter (tube) into your child's nose and then move it into the esophagus. Once the tube is in place, the child will be asked to swallow a variety of consistencies of foods or drinks, ranging from liquid to solid. The catheter is connected to a computer that records coordination of muscles and the strength of contractions in the esophagus with each swallow. The catheter may need to be moved during the study to ensure it is in the appropriate location for the test. After the study is completed, your child may resume normal diet, activity and play.
Antroduodenal Motility Studies assess how the stomach (antrum) and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum) function. This test will evaluate the strength and coordination of muscle contractions in your child's stomach and small intestine. During the test, the care team passes a small catheter through your child's nose, down their esophagus, into the stomach and then finally into their small intestine. Your child will be sedated while the tube is placed but will be awake during the study. If your child has a gastrostomy tube, the care team will place the catheter through the gastrostomy rather than through the nose.
Children who have problems with bowel movements may benefit from a test called an Anorectal Manometry. This test assesses the relaxation of the anorectal muscles, which work to assist with the control of bowel movements. The muscles, known as sphincters, are normally closed and keep stool in the rectum. When it is time to have a bowel movement, these muscles open, allowing stool to pass through the rectum. Anorectal Manometry can also determine if the child’s sensation is altered with regards to stretching or distention of the rectum. During this test, the care team will insert a small catheter with a balloon attached to the tip into your child’s rectum. They will slowly inflate the balloon in an attempt to allow the rectal muscles to open up, simulating stool in the rectum. The catheter is connected to a computer monitor that allows the care team to monitor your child's response.