Esophageal Manometry

Esophageal manometry is a test used to measure the function of the muscles of the esophagus, the muscular tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. It is also used to evaluate symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and heartburn. The test is performed by inserting a thin, flexible tube with a pressure-sensing device through the nose and into the esophagus. The tube is then advanced to the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscular valve that separates the stomach from the esophagus. Esophageal manometry measures the pressure and muscle contractions of the esophagus as it moves food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. It can be helpful in diagnosing a variety of conditions, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), achalasia, and scleroderma. It can also help determine the cause of dysphagia, difficulty swallowing. Esophageal manometry is typically done in a hospital or outpatient setting. The procedure usually takes about 30 minutes. During the test, the patient is asked to swallow a liquid or a thin piece of food. This triggers a series of nerve impulses and muscle contractions that are measured by the tube. The data is then used to create a manometry chart, which shows the pressure and muscle contractions of the esophagus. Esophageal manometry is a safe, non-invasive test. The most common side effects are gagging and the feeling of a foreign object in the throat. In some cases, there may be some mild discomfort or a feeling of pressure in the chest.