GASTROINTESTINAL NEUROMUSCULAR DISORDERS PROGRAM
Mission Statement
The Gastrointestinal Neuromuscular Disorders program was established in 2003 in order to provide a specialized diagnostic and treatment clinical program for patients with suspected or established disorders involving the nerves or muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. These disorders are typically difficult to diagnose and thus not evident by standard radiologic or endoscopic testing modalities. Examples of such disorders include achalasia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastroparesis, gastric dysrhythmias, colonic inertia, pelvic floor dyssynergia, and fecal incontinence.
Diagnostic modalities available include state-of-the-art equipment for standard esophageal manometry, prolonged ambulatory esophageal pH and impedance monitoring, electrogastrography (EGG), anorectal manometry, and breath hydrogen testing. The program performed over 800 of these specialized studies in 2005.
The GI Neuromuscular Disorders program faculty is also committed to: (1) the education of our patients, fellows, residents, medical students, and community gastroenterologists through lectures, seminars, and other meetings, and (2) clinical research to better understand the pathophysiology of these disorders as well as to study new diagnostic and treatment modalities.
GI Faculty
Dr. Kenneth L. Koch, MD
Professor of Medicine
Section Head, Gastroenterology
Director, Digestive Health Center
Dr. John D. Long, MD
Associate Professor of Medicine
Director, GI Neuromuscular Disorders Program
Affiliated faculty
Dr. Carl Westcott, MD (General & laparoscopic surgery)
Dr. Adolfo Fernandez, MD (General & laparoscopic surgery)
Dr. Greg Waters, MD (Colorectal surgery)
Staff
Teresa Fergus, LPN-CGN, GI Neuromuscular Disorders Center Lab
Faye Williams, Technician, GI Neuromuscular Disorders Center Lab
Judy Hooker, BS, Research Coordinator
Debbie Snyder, PT, Pelvic Floor & Biofeedback Therapy
Program/Procedures
Consultation Clinics
Dr. Long Heartburn, dysphagia, gastroesophageal reflux disease,
esophageal motility disorders, constipation, fecal incontinence
Dr. Koch Nausea, vomiting, heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease,
dyspepsia, gastroparesis
Special Programs
Evaluation of unexplained dysphagia
Evaluation of GERD refractory to medical therapy
Evaluation of unexplained nausea
Evaluation of gastroparesis refractory to medical therapy
Biofeedback therapy
Clinical research trials
Procedures
Stationary esophageal manometry
Ambulatory 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring (distal and proximal)
Ambulatory 24-hour esophageal pH and impedance monitoring
Anorectal manometry
Electrogastrography
Hydrogen breath testing
Contact Numbers
To schedule a consultation 336-713-7777
To schedule a procedure 336-713-7777
To fax a request for consultation or procedure 336-713-7322
To speak with a faculty member – PAL 336-713-7654