Sidra Medicine launches first comprehensive paediatric GI motility centre in region

QATAR—Sidra Medicine, part of Qatar Foundation, has enhanced its paediatric gastroenterology services by opening a specialised Gastrointestinal (GI) Motility Centre.

This new centre introduces advanced diagnostic techniques such as colonic and antroduodenal manometry, enabling some of the most precise GI motility testing available globally.

The expanded centre builds on existing services, which include oesophagal and anorectal manometry, pH impedance testing, electrogastrography, breath testing, and biofeedback therapy.

The addition of colonic and antroduodenal manometry allows doctors to assess neuromuscular function in the colon and upper small intestine with unprecedented detail.

This step addresses the challenge of diagnosing complex GI motility disorders often missed by standard imaging or endoscopy.

Dr. Zeyad Abdulkader, a paediatric gastroenterologist and motility specialist at Sidra Medicine, explained that this development makes Sidra the first comprehensive paediatric motility clinic in the region.

The centre now offers a full range of advanced diagnostic and therapeutic options all in one location.

He emphasized that these specialised tests are a breakthrough for children with complicated and frequently misunderstood gastrointestinal conditions, enabling more accurate identification of dysfunction and the ability to tailor treatments to each patient’s needs.

Colonic and antroduodenal manometry are particularly valuable for diagnosing severe constipation, pseudo-obstruction, feeding intolerance, and functional abdominal pain.

By detecting specific neuromuscular issues, clinicians can provide targeted therapies earlier, leading to improved health outcomes and a better quality of life for affected children.

Dr. Mamoun Elawad, head of Paediatric Gastroenterology at Sidra Medicine, highlighted the clinic’s role in bridging a critical diagnostic gap for children suffering from severe, unexplained GI symptoms.

He noted that expanding these specialised services reflects Sidra Medicine’s ongoing commitment to delivering world-class care to children and families throughout Qatar.

Sidra’s Gastroenterology Department adopts a holistic, patient-centred approach by integrating expertise from several specialties, including nutrition, speech and feeding therapy, psychology, and interventional radiology.

This multidisciplinary model ensures that children receive comprehensive care tailored to their unique needs.

The initiative aligns with global trends emphasizing early and precise diagnosis in paediatric GI care.

 Various healthcare systems worldwide are investing in motility centres to better address complex digestive disorders in children, highlighting the importance of Sidra Medicine’s advancement at a regional level.

As Qatar continues to invest in specialised paediatric healthcare, Sidra Medicine’s new GI Motility Centre represents a significant step forward in elevating the standard of care available to young patients in the Middle East.

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