Our Research

Our goal is to provide state-of-the-art diagnosis and optimal treatment for chronic gastrointestinal motility disorders

Autonomic Function Testing

All major motor patterns that are required to facilitate transit, mixing, grinding, absorption and propulsion are controlled by the musculature and the autonomic nervous systems. Motor patterns are controlled by autonomic reflexes orchestrated by the extrinsic nervous system with its sensory and motor components and controlled by the Central Autonomic Network in the brain. Normal motor patterns are executed and inhibited by a delicate balance of parasympathetic and sympathetic neural activities. We have developed a comprehensive assessment of a patient's ability to generate appropriate autonomic reflexes. This Autonomic Functioning Test helps us diagnose neuronal dysfunction underlying chronic motility problems and their associated symptoms of constipation, incontinence, gastroparesis, and abdominal pain.

Spinal Neuromodulation.

All motor patterns of the gastrointestinal tract are influenced by extrinsic autonomic nerves that create the gut-brain axis. We study spinal neuromodulation via Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation or Low-level-laser therapy with the goal of restoring autonomic reflexes or reducing inhibition by sympathetic over-excitation.

Ultrasound

With an ultrasound probe positioned on the colon or stomach, we record the movements of the gut. Through sophisticated image analysis methods, we create spatiotemporal maps that document the motor patterns of the gut.

Our first publication can be found at: https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpgi.00068.2023

High-Resolution manometry of the colon and the anorectum

Detailed analysis of motor patterns of the gastrointestinal tract, with regulation of pressure, generation of rhythmic activities, generating segmentation or propulsion, we need sophisticated analysis using pressure probes, including the use of a barostat.

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