On behalf of the International Working Group for Disorders of GI Motility and Function I am pleased to welcome you to the Ascona III Meeting, 2023.

Recent years have seen dramatic developments in the technology available for clinical investigation of swallowing, gastro-esophageal reflux, digestive and continence function.

In 2011 the HRM Working Group gathered in Ascona to introduce the Chicago Classification of Esophageal Motility Disorders for High-Resolution Manometry.

In 2015 the group met again to review advances in esophageal measurement. At the same meeting the remit of the group expanded to include the diagnosis of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and the management of anorectal disorders. Since this time, important progress has been made to establish operating procedures and classification systems for the full range of disorders of gastrointestinal motility and function. These have been published in a series of guidelines and state-of-the-art reviews.

Now, at long last, following the Covid-SARS2 pandemic, in 2023 a world class faculty will return to Switzerland to establish the state-of-the-art in clinical measurement of digestive function from “top to tail”.

Highlights will include:

• introduction of the first consensus classification for disorders of pharyngeal function

• initial experience with the Chicago Classification for Oesophageal Motility Disorders version 4.0 plus review of endo-FLIP and other advances

• start of the Lyon Classification of Reflux Disease version 2.0 process with expansion to include laryngo-pharyngeal reflux

• state-of-the-art lectures focused on assessment of gastric emptying and digestive function, including EGG, intestinal motility, and 13C-breath tests

• debate between proponents of the European and American guidelines for hydrogen breath tests.

• initial experience with the London Classification for disorders of anorectal function, plus review of new technologies for diagnosis and treatment of these troublesome conditions.

As before, the focus will be on clinical practice, highlighting how the information provided by advanced measurement equipment can provide an explanation for patient symptoms, establish conclusive diagnosis, and guide effective management.

Welcome to Ascona!

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Mark Fox

On behalf of the International Working Group for Disorders of GI Motility and Function