GI Motility Unit

is a test of the anal sphincter and pelvic floor muscles that is used to evaluate constipation (including excessive straining and incomplete evacuation), fecal incontinence, and rectal pain. A nurse inserts a small, flexible tube into the anus and rectum. The sensor on the tube measures the strength of the anal sphincter muscles, as well as the coordination of the muscles used during bowel movement. No bowel prep is necessary and the test is not painful. Additional information and instructions are available here.

is a test of the muscles of the esophagus that is used to evaluate difficulty swallowing, heartburn, and chest pain. During the test, the nurse applies numbing gel to the nasal passage and then inserts a thin tube through the nose into esophagus. The tube measures pressure in the esophagus during swallowing to determine if there is any abnormality. Additional information and instructions are available here.

is a test that measures the amount and severity of acid reflux used to evaluate symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, and cough. A nurse applies numbing gel to the nasal passage and then inserts a small tube through the nose into the esophagus. After the tube is placed you leave the hospital and return to normal activities, during which time a device on the tube measures acid movement in your esophagus, and you keep a diary to record meal times, symptoms, and time spent lying down. The following day you return to the hospital to have the tube removed. Instructions are available here.

is similar to a pH probe study, but measures both acid and non-acid reflux. Instructions are available here.

combines both esophageal manometry and impedance testing to evaluate how the esophagus clears fluid.

is a test for the bacteria that causes ulcers. This test involves swallowing a solution and then periodically breathing into foil bags. The amount of carbon in each bag is then measured. This test is performed in the GI clinic. Instructions are available here.

is a test for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. It is sometimes used to evaluate abdominal discomfort, bloating, diarrhea, and malabsorption. This test involves swallowing a sugar solution and then breathing into foil bags every 15 minutes for two hours. The amount of hydrogen in each bag is then measured. Instructions are available here.

is used to assess the ability to digest lactose, the sugar found it milk. It involves swallowing a sweet (lactose) solution and then breathing into foil bags periodically for three hours. The amount of hydrogen in the breath is then measured.

is one of the most effective treatments for certain types of constipation, fecal incontinence, and rectal pain. UNC pelvic floor physical therapists teach patients to retrain their pelvic floor muscles.