Esophageal manometry

Esophageal manometry is a medical procedure that measures the functionality of the esophagus and lower esophageal sphincter (LES). It is often used to diagnose conditions related to the esophagus, such as achalasia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and dysphagia.

Procedure

During an esophageal manometry, a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is passed through the nose, down the esophagus, and into the stomach. The catheter is equipped with sensors that can measure pressure in the esophagus and LES. The patient is asked to swallow during the procedure, and the pressure changes are recorded.

Uses

Esophageal manometry is used to diagnose several conditions, including:

• Achalasia: A condition in which the LES fails to relax properly, causing difficulty swallowing and regurgitation of food.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): A condition in which stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms.
• Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing.

Risks

As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks associated with esophageal manometry. These may include discomfort or gagging when the catheter is inserted, nosebleed, or irregular heartbeat. However, serious complications are rare.

Preparation

Before the procedure, patients are typically asked to fast for at least six hours. They may also need to stop taking certain medications.

After the Procedure

After the procedure, patients can usually return to their normal activities. They may experience a sore throat, which should resolve within a day or two.

See Also

• Achalasia
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Dysphagia

Esophageal manometry Resources
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