What is esophageal manometry?
Esophageal manometry is a test that evaluates the function of the esophagus.
How is the esophageal manometry test performed?
In esophageal manometry, a thin, pressure-sensitive tube is passed through the nose and down the esophagus to the stomach. Before the procedure, a local anesthetic is applied inside the nose to make the insertion of the tube painless. Once the tube reaches the stomach, it is slowly pulled back through the esophagus. During this time, you will be given water and asked to swallow. The pressure of the muscle contractions is measured along several sections of the tube. While the tube is in the esophagus, additional studies may also be performed. The tube is removed after the tests are completed. The test lasts about 30 minutes.
How to prepare for the test?
You should not eat or drink for 8 hours before the test. If your test is in the morning, do not eat or drink after midnight. Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
How you may feel You may experience a sensation of gagging and discomfort as the tube passes through your nose and throat. You might also feel discomfort in your nose and throat during the test.
Why is the test performed?
The esophagus is the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. When we swallow, the muscles in the esophagus contract to push food into the stomach. Valves, or sphincters, inside the esophagus open to let food and liquids pass through and then close to prevent food, liquids, and stomach acids from moving backward. The sphincter at the lower end of the esophagus, where it connects to the stomach, is called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
Esophageal manometry is performed to check if the esophagus contracts and relaxes properly. The test helps diagnose swallowing problems. During the test, the doctor may also check the LES to see if it opens and closes correctly.
The test may be recommended if you have the following symptoms:
- Heartburn or nausea after eating (gastroesophageal reflux, GERD)
- Problems swallowing (feeling that food is stuck behind the sternum).
Normal results
Muscle contractions and LES pressure are normal during swallowing.
Abnormal results may indicate:
- A problem with the esophagus that affects its ability to push food to the stomach (achalasia)
- A weak LES, causing heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux)
- Abnormal muscle contractions in the esophagus, resulting in ineffective movement of food to the stomach (esophageal spasm)
Complications of the test
The risks of the test include:
- Mild bleeding from the nose
- Sore throat
- Perforation of the esophagus (this is rare)
