An overview of Esophageal Manometry
Esophageal manometry is a medical test that evaluates the functioning of the esophagus. It measures the contractions, force, and coordination of the muscles involved in moving food from the mouth to the stomach.
What is Esophageal Manometry used for?
An esophageal manometry is used to determine the functioning and coordination of the muscles in the esophagus and to diagnose disorders that can affect the esophagus. It can help diagnose conditions such as diffuse esophageal spasm, achalasia, and scleroderma. The test may also be used to assess the effectiveness of anti-reflux surgery for GERD and to investigate non-cardiac chest pain.
How to prepare for Esophageal Manometry?
Patient preparation is necessary before an esophageal manometry test. You might need to avoid eating and drinking for a specific period of time before the test. Your doctor will provide you with specific instructions. Additionally, inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking, as you might be asked not to take certain medications before the test.
How is Esophageal Manometry conducted?
An esophageal manometry test is conducted by passing a thin, flexible tube (catheter) through the nose into the esophagus. The catheter contains pressure sensors that measure the contractions and movement of the esophagus. Before the test, a numbing medication or gel is applied to the throat. During the test, the person lies on their back or remains seated and swallows small sips of water while the catheter records the pressure, speed, and pattern of esophageal muscle contractions. The test usually lasts about 30 minutes, after which the person can resume normal activities.
How are Esophageal Manometry results reported?
Esophageal manometry results are typically reported to your doctor, who will then discuss the findings with you during a follow-up appointment. The test results can help identify the cause of esophageal symptoms or be part of a preoperative evaluation. The results of the esophageal manometry test can provide information about the pressure, speed, and pattern of the wave of esophageal muscle contractions, as well as the functioning of the sphincter muscles at the top and bottom of the esophagus. This information helps your doctor diagnose various esophageal disorders and determine the appropriate course of treatment.
Understanding the report
The interpretation of esophageal manometry results depends on the specific measurements and observations made during the test. The results are typically evaluated by a specialist, such as a gastroenterologist or a speech-language pathologist, who is trained in understanding the patterns of muscle contractions and pressure changes in the esophagus. Several parameters are measured during the test, including esophageal body and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressures, LES relaxation and opening pressure, esophageal body and LES contraction amplitudes and intervals, esophageal body and LES contraction patterns, and coordination of esophageal muscle contractions. These measurements help assess the functioning of the esophagus, identify any dysfunctions, and determine the appropriate diagnosis. Abnormal results can indicate conditions like diffuse esophageal spasm, achalasia, or scleroderma. In some cases, additional tests or procedures might be needed to confirm the diagnosis or to further evaluate the esophageal disorder. Your doctor will discuss the results with you and recommend appropriate treatment options based on the findings.
Limitations and Considerations
Limitations of the esophageal manometry test include discomfort during the test, inaccurate results in certain situations (such as uncontrolled diabetes, recent stroke, or severe illness), limited information about the esophagus structure, and false-negative or false-positive results. It is important to discuss any concerns or questions about the test with your healthcare provider to ensure you have a clear understanding of the risks, limitations, and expected outcomes.