Esophageal manometry

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:
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:



How it Feels:
There is a mild gagging sensation when the tube is swallowed.

Risks:
People with swallowing difficulty are always at risk for aspiration pneumonia (saliva or gastric acid may be inhaled into the lungs instead of being swallowed properly). The presence of the tube in the esophagus may cause increased salivation , increasing the risk for aspiration .

Why this Test is Performed:
To measure LES pressure and evaluate esophageal contractions. This is important in the evaluation of swallowing disorders.

Normal Values:
The LES pressure is normal and relaxes during a swallow. The pattern of muscle contractions is systematic and coordinated during a swallow.

Abnormal Results:
Abnormal results may indicate achalasia (a failure of LES relaxation, causing the esophagus to become dilated and filled with retained food), diffuse esophageal spasm , and lack of muscle coordination.

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:



Cost:
The estimated cost is $250 for the physician and about $350 for the hospital. The total costs are about $600 to $700.

Special Considerations:
Not applicable.