The Endoscopy Center at Lankenau Medical Center is equipped to provide
specialized testing for functional and motility disorders of the
digestive tract, including the following tests:
To schedule an appointment with a Lankenau
gastroenterologist, call 866.CALL.MLH or use the online
appointment request form.
High-resolution esophageal manometry. Esophageal
manometry is a test of the strength and function of muscles involved in
moving food and liquid from the mouth into the stomach. The test is
mainly used to evaluate for GERD
or a suspected motility (swallowing) disorder. During the test, a thin
flexible tube is inserted into the nose and guided down the esophagus to
the stomach. The tube has sensors that measure the strength and
coordination of muscle contractions at multiple points in the esophagus
during swallowing.
24-Hour esophageal pH and impedance
monitoring. Esophageal pH monitoring is used to evaluate for GERD.
The test measures how often stomach acid refluxes (flows back) into the
lower esophagus and the degree of acidity over a period of time.
Esophageal impedance monitoring is used to evaluate reflux of digestive
fluids other than stomach acid, such as bile. Impedance testing is
helpful when determining the cause of reflux symptoms. We offer a
24-hour test that monitors for both acid and nonacid secretions. For the
test, a thin flexible tube with a tiny monitoring device at the end is
inserted into the nose and guided into the esophagus. The tube is
removed the following day.
48-Hour esophageal pH monitoring. With
this test (also called a Bravo test), a capsule-sized acid-measuring
probe is attached to the lower part of the esophagus during an upper
endoscopy procedure. Over the next 48 hours, a monitoring device is worn
that captures information from the probe. The probe then detaches and is
excreted in a bowel movement.
Anorectal manometry is used in
the evaluation of fecal incontinence or constipation. The test measures
the strength and function of the anal sphincter muscles.
Wireless capsule motility testing
(SmartPill) is used to help diagnose motility disorders such as
gastroparesis, irritable
bowel syndrome, and chronic constipation. For the test, a small
capsule-sized device is swallowed and travels through the digestive
tract, transmitting information about pressure, pH, and transit times
for each segment of the digestive tract and the system overall. A data
recorder, worn on a belt, collects the information. The device is
excreted in a bowel movement.
Radiologic Tests and Procedures
Lankenau radiologists participate in the evaluation of many digestive
and liver abnormalities. Radiologic tests and procedures include but are
not limited to:
.jpg)
