Esophageal manometry

Alternative names:

esophageal function studies; esophageal motility studies

How the test is performed:

A thin tube is passed through your mouth or nose and into the stomach. This tube is made so that pressure measurements may be taken at intervals along the tube. The outer end of the tube is attached to a pressure transducer (an instrument that will record the pressure). The tube is pulled slowly back into the esophagus. The high pressure zone of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a sphincter muscle that acts as a valve to prevent reflux of gastric acid into the esophagus, is recorded. When the tube is in the esophagus, the person will be asked to swallow. The swallowing wave will be recorded. There may be other tests done. The tube is removed after the tests are completed.

How to prepare for the test:

Eating and drinking is restricted 8 hours before the test.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:

• infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
• toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
• preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
• schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
• adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How the test will feel:

There is a mild gagging sensation when the tube is swallowed.

Why the test is performed:

To measure LES pressure and evaluate esophageal contractions. This is important in the evaluation of swallowing disorders.