Are Your Patients Having Persistent GI Symptoms After Treatment?

Introduction

Many patients who experience GI discomfort after treatment have already tried dietary changes, medications, and undergone routine screenings like colonoscopies. Naturally, frustration occurs when they find the source of their discomfort remains unresolved. So what could be missing?

In many cases, it’s not about what we have measured, but what we have not measured. Structural tests like imaging and endoscopy are essential for ruling out serious pathology. However, they don’t always explain persistent, functional symptoms. When results appear normal but the symptoms remain, you may be looking for a different diagnostic approach.

When Structural Tests Fall Short

Colonoscopy, endoscopy, and imaging are valuable tools, but they only show part of the picture. These structural tests effectively rule out serious conditions such as inflammation, tumors, or blockages, yet they offer little insight into how the bowel and pelvic floor are functioning.

For patients with chronic constipation, incontinence, or unexplained abdominal symptoms, structural imaging often isn’t enough to identify the root cause.

This Is Where Functional Testing Comes In

Functional testing, such as Anorectal Manometry (ARM), evaluates how the muscles and nerves of the rectum and anus are functioning. It provides critical insight into conditions that often go undetected with structural imaging alone, including:

• Chronic constipation

• Fecal incontinence

• Pelvic floor dysfunction

• Outlet obstruction

ARM helps identify the underlying physiology behind symptoms—allowing you to move beyond trial-and-error treatment and deliver more targeted, evidence-based care.

Why It Matters

For complex patients, ARM offers diagnostic clarity that can reduce unnecessary medications, repeated procedures, and ongoing frustration—for both patients and providers.

By offering a clear explanation for persistent symptoms, ARM enables clinicians to tailor treatment plans more precisely, whether through biofeedback, pelvic floor therapy, or surgical referral. This not only enhances clinical outcomes but also boosts patient satisfaction and trust.

Benefits of mcompass®

The mcompass® ARM system by Medspira makes in-office functional testing more accessible than ever. Designed with portability and ease of use, mcompass® enables clinics to:

• Perform ARM with no dedicated room required

• Complete procedures in as little as 15 minutes

• Gain actionable insights without disrupting clinic workflow

It’s a streamlined solution that supports better diagnostics—and better patient care.

Conclusion

When structural testing alone doesn’t explain a patient’s symptoms, functional testing like ARM can reveal the missing piece. By integrating ARM into your diagnostic process, your clinic can offer answers where others fall short and provide patients with the clarity and care they’ve been searching for.

Don’t let GI symptoms remain unresolved. Contact us today to learn how mcompass® can help your clinic offer more complete diagnostics and more confident treatment decisions.