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Gastroesophageal Motility Disorders Laboratory

For appointments and information, please call (212) 746-5130

At NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center the esophageal motility unit is directed by Dr. Rasa Zarnegar. He is trained in the diagnosis and surgical management of esophageal motility disorders. He works closely with renowned gastroenterologists who provide endoscopic techniques for the management and treatment of esophageal disorders.

More about the Gastroesophageal Reflux and Motility Disorders Laboratory.

Research and Clinical Trials

Providing the very best treatment options for patients is a key priority at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell. All patients are regularly followed to assess long-term results. We maintain data on patients' progress in a database. By tracking patients' results over the long term, we can perform studies on clinical outcomes to verify the efficacy and durability of interventions. Results are reported regularly in scientific journals so that the medical community and patients can be aware of the alternatives, benefits and risks of each procedure.

About Gastroesophageal Motility Disorders

The function of the esophagus is to transport food from the mouth to the stomach. Synchronized (peristaltic) contractions follow each swallow to accomplish this task. Between swallows, the esophagus usually does not contract.

Relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (or LES), a muscle that separates the esophagus from the stomach, allows for the passage of food into the stomach. It normally stays tightly closed between swallows to prevent acid and food in the stomach from backing up into the esophagus. When we swallow, the LES opens up (the muscle relaxes) so that the food we swallow can enter the stomach.

Difficulty swallowing liquids or solids, heartburn, regurgitation, and atypical (or non-cardiac) chest pain may be symptoms of an esophageal motility disorder. Typical esophageal motility disorders include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), dysphagia, achalasia, and esophageal spasm.