Esophageal manometry is a test that measures how well the lower esophagus functions, specifically testing the lower esophageal sphincter and esophageal muscles. It is commonly done for GERD, trouble swallowing, heartburn, and chest pains. A thin, pressure-sensitive tube is passed through the nose or mouth into the stomach to measure and record the pressure of the esophageal muscles as they contract. The test takes about 60 minutes, and risks are low.
Esophageal manometry, also known as esophageal motility or functional studies, is a test that measures how well the lower section of the esophagus is functioning. Specifically, it tests the valve that prevents stomach acids from flowing back into the esophagus, called the lower esophageal sphincter, and into the muscles of the esophagus. By completing esophageal manometry, doctors can determine whether a patient’s esophagus can properly move food into the stomach. After the esophageal manometry, if a problem is found, the doctor can go ahead and prescribe treatment to help the patient with their ailment. The test will most commonly be done for people who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), trouble swallowing, heartburn, and chest pains.
To understand how esophageal manometry is performed, some background information is helpful. When someone swallows, the muscles in the esophagus contract and push the food into the stomach. The sphincters, or valves, open to let food pass through the esophagus, then close again to keep stomach acids from flowing back into the esophagus.
When a person undergoes esophageal manometry, a thin, pressure-sensitive tube is passed through the nose or mouth into the stomach. Then, the tube is slowly pulled back into the esophagus. Once in position, the patient is asked to swallow. The tube is designed to measure and record the pressure of the esophageal muscles as they contract. In all, the test can be completed in about 60 minutes.
Doctors will review the steps a patient should take before esophageal manometry. Usually, you will be asked not to eat or drink anything for four to eight hours leading up to the test. The day before the test, most patients are told not to take calcium channel blockers or nitrate products. Also, sedatives are not recommended for 12 hours prior to testing time; however, a patient should not discontinue any medications without first advising their physician.
Under the best circumstances, your esophageal manometry test results will be normal. This means that there is normal pressure and contraction of the muscles of the esophagus when the patient swallows. But there is also the possibility that the results are abnormal. If so, the patient may suffer from esophageal spasms, poor esophageal muscle coordination, or achalasia, a disorder that affects the esophagus.
The risks associated with esophageal manometry are low. Most patients will feel a vomiting sensation when the tube is placed in place. Also, saliva production may increase. This can lead to aspiration or even aspiration pneumonia.
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