The Department of Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, has reinforced its role as Thailand’s leader in medicine and innovation by introducing Impedance Planimetry technology for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal motility disorders—the first institution in Thailand to do so. This advancement elevates the precision of diagnostics and therapeutics for complex gastrointestinal diseases, optimizing clinical decision-making and delivering the best possible treatment outcomes for patients.

“Because a precise diagnosis is the genesis of optimal treatment.”

Currently, Siriraj Hospital stands as one of the most comprehensively equipped medical institutions in Thailand, providing a continuum of care ranging from primary interventions to the management of highly complex tertiary diseases. This is particularly vital for gastrointestinal and esophageal disorders, which are demonstrating an increasing prevalence among both the elderly and the working-age populations. Key conditions include dysphagia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and achalasia (the failure of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax).

Under the leadership of Prof. Somchai Leelakusolvong, MD—Chairman of the Department of Medicine, Director of the Gastrointestinal Motility Center, and Director of the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Center at Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun Hospital, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University—there is a profound recognition of the vital role modern medical technology plays in clinical diagnostics and therapeutics. This aligns seamlessly with Siriraj Hospital’s vision of serving as an international center of excellence in healthcare, service, research, and academic learning, driven by the principle of “Real World Impact in Action and Research.” This mission involves leveraging existing knowledge for continuous advancement across three core domains:

• Education: Focusing on training and maximizing the potential of medical professionals.

• Clinical Care: Targeting intractable or complex diseases by increasingly integrating technological innovations into patient management.

• Research: Focusing on investigating diseases with a global impact and generating novel innovations that benefit humanity.

Prof. Leelakusolvong, in his capacity as Chairman of the Department of Medicine and an expert gastroenterologist, stated that the introduction of Impedance Planimetry at Siriraj Hospital—a first in Thailand—represents an advanced diagnostic innovation. It enables the real-time evaluation of the contractility and distensibility of the esophagus and gastrointestinal sphincters by measuring intraluminal impedance and cross-sectional area (CSA). This technology allows physicians to analyze the physiological function of the gastrointestinal tract with unprecedented detail and precision.

A major clinical advantage of this technology is its ability to be performed concurrently with endoscopy while the patient is under sedation. This significantly reduces patient discomfort compared to the conventional diagnostic gold standard, High-Resolution Manometry (HRM), which requires the patient to be fully awake and cooperative during the procedure. Furthermore, Impedance Planimetry provides clinicians with immediate, real-time intraoperative feedback. For instance, during esophageal dilation in patients with achalasia, it measures esophageal wall compliance and tension, comparing these metrics against standard normative values. This real-time physiological data allows for optimally tailored therapeutic planning, minimizes procedural complications, and enhances long-term clinical efficacy.

Prof. Leelakusolvong further emphasized that the integration of cutting-edge medical technologies not only augments therapeutic capabilities but also reflects Siriraj’s unwavering commitment to advancing the Thai public healthcare system to meet global standards. This commitment spans clinical care, medical education, and research, ultimately generating maximum benefit for patients and Thai society.

In closing, Prof. Leelakusolvong offered critical advice to the public: Individuals experiencing abnormal symptoms—such as dysphagia, chest tightness, chronic heartburn, frequent belching, hematemesis, or persistent gastrointestinal issues—should not ignore them. Prompt consultation with a medical specialist is crucial for early and accurate diagnosis, as early detection significantly improves treatment success rates and reduces the risk of future complications. Concurrently, maintaining a healthy lifestyle through appropriate dietary habits, avoiding highly irritating or spicy foods, minimizing smoking and alcohol consumption, and undergoing regular health screenings are fundamental strategies for preventing gastrointestinal diseases and ensuring a high quality of life in the long term.