Esophageal Manometry

 Esophageal manometry is a test that records the strength and coordination of the muscle contractions in the esophagus (swalling tube).

Esophageal manometry will help your doctor evaluate problems with the esophagus, including heartburn, reflux, non-cardiac chest pain and difficulty swallowing. It is also performed before hiatal hernia repair surgery is done.

Do not eat or drink anything after midnight or six (6) hours prior to the procedure. Stop taking the following medications 24 hours prior to the test: Propulsid, Reglan, Levsin, Donnatal and Urecholine.

A thin flexible tube (probe) is passed through the nose and positioned in the esophagus.

There are no serious side effects associated with esophageal manometry and pH testing. You may experience a mild sore throat but this usually goes away when the probe is removed.

While in a sitting position or on your side, a thin, flexible tube (probe) is passed through the nose and positioned in the esophagus. You will be asked to swallow saliva or sips of water as the tube is passed and numerous pressure measurements are taken from different levels in the esophagus. The procedure usually takes 30 minutes to complete, at which time the probe is removed.

The information obtained from your esophageal motility test will be analyzed and interpreted by a physician. A complete analysis may take several days. You will receive a letter or call with the results of your test within 10-14 days after the procedure.