Pediatric Motility Center
Motility refers to the movement of the gastrointestinal tract involving a complex interaction of the gut, nerves, and the brain. Pediatric functional gastrointestinal and motility disorders are common and can range from relatively benign conditions such as constipation to more serious diseases such as Hirschsprung's disease - a congenital condition in which there is a blockage in the large intestine due to improper muscle movement in the bowel.
The Pediatric Motility Center is one of only a few pediatric motility programs in the country, and the only one in the New York metropolitan region to provide motility studies in infants, children, and adolescents. Dr. Thomas Ciecierega, an expert in pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition, is the Director of the Center, which provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for a range of gastrointestinal motility disorders with symptoms that include:
- pain
- constipation
- diarrhea
- abdominal distention and pain
- nausea
- heartburn
- difficulty swallowing
- excessive vomiting
Disorders and conditions treated at the Pediatric Motility Center include:
- achalasia
- gastroparesis
- pseudo-obstruction syndrome
- anorectal disorders
- congenital malformations
- incontinence
- gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
Download Pediatric Motility Center info sheet
