Motility Disorders Program Offers a Full Range of Treatment Options
The Tampa General Hospital (TGH) Digestive Diseases Institute is one of the only centers in Florida to offer a comprehensive Neurogastroenterology and Motility Disorders Program. Specialists at TGH offer a full range of diagnostic and treatment options for conditions such as bacterial overgrowth, chronic nausea, constipation, diarrhea, fecal incontinence, functional dyspepsia, gastroparesis, intestinal pseudoobstruction, IBS and pelvic floor dysfunction.
TGH’s multidisciplinary team includes gastroenterologists, GI surgeons, urogynecologists, pathologists, behavioral health specialists, nutritionists and physical therapists who collaborate to develop the most appropriate and effective treatment plans for each patient’s unique needs.
FIRST DEDICATED GASTROPARESIS CLINIC IN WEST FLORIDA
TGH’s Neurogastroenterology and Motility Disorders Program offers patients with gastroparesis a dedicated clinic for the full spectrum of care – one of the only clinics of its kind in the region. Gastroenterologists and GI surgeons provide a full suite of services to accurately diagnose motility disorders.
In many cases, patients come to TGH hoping to finally receive a diagnosis or an alternate diagnosis and treatment. Motility disorder diagnostic services include wireless motility testing, endoscopic functional luminal imaging (EndoFLIP), hydrogen breath testing, anorectal manometry, and pH monitoring.
Ultimately, the gastroenterologists and GI surgeons at TGH strive to stabilize patients and set them on a path for the best quality of life and overall outcomes.
MOTILITY CLINIC USING “HOME” MODEL
TGH is establishing a motility clinic using a “home” model where patients can be seen by several members of a multidisciplinary team on the same day, allowing for a clear diagnosis and treatment plan as quickly as possible. Each patient would be seen by the team of specialists who determine the best course of action, factoring in depression and anxiety, dietary and nutritional needs, polypharmacy potential, and even surgical interventions.
EXPERTISE IN ADVANCED TREATMENTS
Treatment options can range from medicines to diet and lifestyle modifications, as well as surgery. Physicians from across Florida refer patients to TGH for advanced, minimally invasive surgical options to treat a variety of gastrointestinal disorders. One such option is the Per-Oral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM). The POEM procedure may be a consideration for patients with gastroparesis that cannot be effectively managed with other treatment options. Others include gastric electrical stimulation, enteral feeding tube placement, and transpyloric dilation.
“This isn’t a glamorous disease,” said Dr. Joseph Sujka, Assistant Professor of Surgery and Surgical Care Clerkship Director at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. “One of my biggest joys is giving people the ability to eat again. That’s a big gift.”
EXPERIENCED PHYSICIAN LEADERS
TGH’s Neurogastroenterology and Motility Disorders Program is under the direction of two physician leaders who are nationally recognized in their fields.
Dr. Joseph Sujka is a bariatric and general surgeon who specializes in robotic foregut surgery and clinical research. He has published over 30 papers on gut dysmotility and the treatment of foregut GI motility conditions.
Dr. Camille Thélin is board-certified in gastroenterology and internal medicine and specializes in lower GI motility disorders, neurogastromotility GI disorders and women’s GI issues. She is the Director of the USF Women’s Digestive Health Program in association with the USF Pamela Muma Women’s Health Center. Dr. Thélin was named USF GI Fellowship Program Director in 2021.