Motility Testing for Colorectal Anomalies

If your child is experiencing stool (poop) accidents, there’s hope. Children’s Hospital Los Angeles offers specialized motility testing to pinpoint the problem.

Our team includes a pediatric motility testing (manometry) expert who evaluates the muscle and nerve activity supporting stool storage and elimination. This information helps your child receive appropriate therapies leading to better bowel control.

About Manometry for Colorectal Anomalies

Manometry assesses bowel functioning in ways that are not possible through imaging or other tests. It uses long thin tubes and tiny wires with sensors inside the large intestine (colon) or rectum. The colon processes waste left over from digested food and the rectum stores stool. The tubes and sensors placed in these areas detect nerve and muscle activity and display it on the computer.

We use manometry to determine why a child is having stool accidents. There could be a problem with muscle strength, coordination or both. In some cases, it’s a nerve issue that may involve missed signals from the brain.

Motility Testing for Colorectal Anomalies: Why Choose Us

Children’s Hospital is one of the nation’s few colorectal and anomalies programs whose team includes a manometry specialist. This gastroenterologist completed advanced training through a fellowship and provides the highest level of care. We perform hundreds   of manometry studies every year, so you can count on us for appropriate testing and accurate results.

Highlights of our program include:

• Team approach: In addition to a manometry expert, your child benefits from the expertise of surgeons, urologists and pediatricians. We work together to coordinate every step of your child’s care from start to finish. Meet our team.
• Advanced options: Children’s Hospital offers manometry of the entire colon. This assessment requires significant skill to place manometry equipment in the right spot. Our team has years of experience, leading to effective testing and reliable results.
• Comprehensive assessment: Manometry is part of a thorough diagnostic evaluation. Your child’s care may include additional tests such as imaging studies and procedures. These efforts help your child receive appropriate care and achieve excellent results. Read more about colorectal and pelvic anomaly evaluation and diagnosis.
• Gentle care: We put your child to sleep before placing catheters in the colon or rectum. Our internationally renowned pediatric anesthesiologists provide age-appropriate care with a focus on safety. Your child will be awake after sensors are in place. You can stay at the bedside providing comfort and support during this time.

Patient- and Family-Friendly Manometry Services

The idea of an invasive test like manometry can be scary. We take extra steps to help your child and family prepare. Child Life specialists explain testing in ways that are easier to understand. Our nurse practitioner calls you a few days before the procedure to provide additional information and answer last-minute questions.

Types of Manometry Testing We Offer for Colorectal Anomalies

The type of test that’s right for your child depends on the symptoms. We often perform manometry in children with severe constipation and fecal incontinence. Get more information about the colorectal and pelvic anomalies we treat.

Types of manometry we offer include:

Anorectal motility testing

This test assesses sensation in the rectum that alerts children that it’s time for a bowel movement. It also evaluates pressure and nerve reflexes in the anal sphincter. This ring of muscle tissue contracts to hold poop in and relaxes to release it.

With sensors in place in the colon or rectum, we ask your child to bear down as if there was a bowel movement. The sensors detect whether nerves and muscles engage as they should. It is an outpatient assessment, meaning your child goes home after the test.

Colonic motility testing

This option measures the strength and coordination of colon contractions that move waste toward the rectum. Colonic motility testing is an inpatient procedure that requires staying in the hospital for a few days.

With the sensors in place, we measure muscle and nerve activity:

• When your child has an empty stomach.
• After eating a meal.
• After taking medications that help us assess muscle activity in the colon.

Comprehensive Colorectal and Pelvic Anomaly Care for Children

We offer access to multiple pediatric subspecialists in one convenient location in Los Angeles. Find out more about our Colorectal Center.

Contact Us

To schedule an appointment with a colorectal and pelvic anomaly specialist, call 323-361-5711