Gastrointestinal Physiology is one of the specialised diagnostic services at QEHB.

The department is an investigation unit which is led by an accredited independent practitioner and specialises in the study of gastrointestinal function and disease through the physiological measurement of the gastrointestinal tract.   

Gastrointestinal physiologists use highly technical, state of the art equipment to measure various aspects of gastrointestinal tract function and visualise internal structures. Patients are referred to the department from a variety of disciplines and may suffer with problems such as swallowing disorders, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, bowel incontinence or other disorders of gut function.

The Gastrointestinal Physiology Department works as part of part of an integrated multidisciplinary team which includes gastroenterologists, surgeons and specialist nurses as well as other diagnostic disciplines such as radiology and endoscopy, all of whom contribute to the care pathway of the patient.

The results of the physiological tests and measurements are used in conjunction with results from other departments to aid in the diagnosis of a range of anorectal and oesophageal disorders allowing patients to be offered the most appropriate treatment.

The department sees approximately 500 patients per year carrying out more than 850 tests including:

• Oesophageal high resolution manometry
• 24-hour ambulatory oesophageal pH monitoring
• Anorectal high-resolution manometry
• Anorectal ultrasound scanning
• Programming of sacral nerve stimulators