Esophageal Manometry

Understanding Esophageal Manometry
Your physician has determined that esophageal manometry is necessary for further evaluation of your condition. This brochure has been prepared to help you understand the procedure. It includes answers to questions patients ask most frequently. Please read it carefully. If you have additional questions, please feel free to discuss them with the endoscopy nurse or your physician before the examination begins.

What is Esophageal Manometry?
The esophagus is the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. The food is moved by contraction and relaxation of the muscles in the esophagus. There are several disorders where this process is abnormal. Esophageal manometry is a test which measures the ability of the esophageal muscles to contract normally and move food from your mouth to stomach. A surgeon may request an esophageal manometry test prior to anti-reflux surgery.

What preparation is required?
To prepare for an esophageal manometry test you cannot eat or drink anything for at least 8 hours prior to the test. There are also certain medications which should be stopped prior to you test. These include medicines that relax muscles or reduce acid production. Ideally, your esophagus should be in its “normal” state, without the influence of medications, so that any problems can be detected during the exam.

What can be expected during an Esophageal Manometry test?
The instrument used to perform the test is a thin, flexible tube. The tube is lubricated and gently passed through your nose into the esophagus. The exam then can take up to an hour. It involves taking sips of water while the tube is slowly withdrawn. Because you must be awake, alert and cooperative for the test, medicines to sedate you cannot be used. During the examination, information is relayed into a computer. When available, your physician will interpret the information. Your test results will likely be available a week or later after the test.

What are the possible complications?
The test is very safe and complications are rare. There may be some gagging while the tube is being passed. There may be a sore throat after the test. On rare occasions there may be bleeding, chest pain or a tear in the esophagus or stomach.
What can be expected following an esophageal manometry test?
After the test, you can eat, drink and resume your usual medications. You may drive a car or return to work.

To the Patient
Because education is an important part of comprehensive medical care, you have been provided with this information to prepare you for this procedure. If you have any questions about your need for esophageal manometry, alternative approaches to your problem, the cost of the procedure, methods of billing, or insurance coverage, do not hesitate to speak to your doctor or doctor’s office staff about it. Most endoscopists are highly trained specialists and welcome your questions regarding their credentials and training. If you have questions that have not been answered, please discuss them with the endoscopy nurse or your physician before the examination begins.