Motility Disorders

Motility disorders are characterized by impairment of the coordinated movements that normally occur during digestion. Examples of digestive motility disorders include:

• Achalasia and other swallowing problems
• Gastroparesis
• Irritable bowel syndrome

To understand motility disorders, it helps to first know how the digestive tract works. The digestive tract has four main sections, each with its own function.

• The esophagus carries food from the mouth to the stomach.
• The stomach mixes food with digestive juices. In the process, digested food takes on a liquid form.
• The small intestine absorbs nutrients from the digested food.
• The colon absorbs water from the digested food and then eliminates undigestible residue from food in a bowel movement.

Each digestive function depends on intricate movements that are coordinated by muscles and nerves. These movements are collectively referred to as motility. Impaired motility causes different symptoms depending on the location of the problem. For example:

• Abnormal motility of the esophagus can cause food to stick (difficulty swallowing), regurgitation, heartburn, or chest pain.
• Abnormal motility in the colon can cause abdominal pain, constipation, or diarrhea.

Why Choose Lankenau?
Lankenau Medical Center offers state-of-the-art diagnostic testing and multidisciplinary treatment for patients with gastrointestinal motility disorders. Our physician team is experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of:

• Achalasia and other esophageal motility disorders
• Gastroparesis
• Small bowel motility disorders
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Chronic constipation, fecal incontinence, and pelvic floor disorders

To schedule an appointment with a Lankenau gastroenterologist, call 866.CALL.MLH or use the online appointment request form.