Esophageal Manometry

What is esophageal manometry?

Esophageal manometry is a diagnostic procedure used to examine the pressures at different levels or the force of contraction of different organs, such as the esophagus, pharynx, the end of the intestine, the urethra or the pelvic floor.

What does it consist of?

This test consists of the introduction of a thin, thin probe (2 to 3 mm in diameter) with holes through the nose, which at its end may have a deflated balloon that is inflated once the probe is placed in the desired location by means of motion-sensitive receptors. The device is connected to a computer where the detected activity is recorded.

The patient will remain seated, and may have to perform part of the test also lying down, so that the digestive specialist can check the pressure in the different positions.

The examination can last from 15 minutes to about an hour, and also when removing the probe through the nose passing through the esophagus, the digestive specialist can ask the patient to perform the action of swallowing, in order to observe the muscular contractions of the esophagus.

The esophageal sphincter is a determining factor in the causes of gastroesophageal reflux.
and its activity is analyzed in esophageal manometry.

Why is it performed?

Esophageal manometry is performed to observe the functioning of the esophagus and stomach: the movements of the esophagus and esophageal sphincter are recorded to check their functioning in case the patient presents swallowing problems or chest pain, which is the most frequent use of this test. Although, nowadays, it is also used to measure and detect possible complications arising from lack or excess of pressure in the colon (anorectal manometry) or in the urethra (urinary manometry).

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Preparation for esophageal manometry

The patient should not eat or drink anything until eight hours before the test and should come fasting, while it is also recommended that the last meal eaten before the test be light. You should also inform the specialist of any medications you are taking in case they might interfere with the test results.

What do you feel during the test?

In esophageal manometry it is quite common to have discomfort or a feeling of nausea when the probe is placed through the nose and throat. The use of topical anesthetics is optional in patients who cannot tolerate the discomfort.

Immediately after the test, the patient can return to normal life.

What abnormal results mean

Abnormal results on this test may indicate a problem with the esophageal sphincter. The main pathologies resulting from abnormal manometry results are:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux: the esophageal sphincter does not function properly and does not perform the function of a valve that prevents food and stomach contents from ascending into the esophagus, irritating it and causing heartburn.
  • Achalasia: because of damage to the esophageal nerves, the esophageal sphincter muscle does not relax properly to allow food to pass properly from the esophagus to the stomach.
  • Esophageal spasms: these are contractions of the muscles in the walls of the esophagus, which are not coordinated properly to move food into the stomach.