If you’re experiencing trouble swallowing, the sensation of food being stuck in your chest, persistent heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or chest pain not related to heart conditions, your gastroenterologist may recommend an esophageal manometry. This diagnostic procedure examines how the muscles in the esophagus – the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach – are working.
Esophageal manometry is a specialized test that measures motility -- the strength and movement (motility) of the esophagus muscles. These muscles move food and liquids from the mouth to your stomach. The test helps identify any dysfunctions or problems in these muscles that could be contributing to your symptoms.
Before Your Esophageal Manometry
It's important to properly prepare for your procedure to help ensure the test is as accurate and safe as possible.
- Fasting: Do not eat 6 hours or drink 2 hours before your scheduled procedure time. If you have diabetes, not eating breakfast can affect your blood sugar levels and medication needs. Typically, you should take one-half of your usual morning dose of diabetic medication on the day of the test.
- Essential medications: You may take critical medications, such as those for high blood pressure or heart conditions, with small sips of water when you wake up in the morning.
- Medications to avoid: If possible, delay taking any pain medications, sedatives and tranquilizers, and medications that affect muscle spasms or motility in the GI tract until after your procedure.
If you are unsure about whether to take a specific medication before the procedure, or if you have any other questions about preparing for your test, please consult your doctor or care team. It’s important to follow their guidance to ensure the test is effective and safe.
During the Procedure
You will be seated upright at the beginning of the esophageal manometry procedure. To minimize any discomfort, one of your nostrils and your throat will be numbed. Your gastroenterologist will then gently insert a thin, flexible tube (catheter) through the numbed nostril, guiding it down the back of your throat into your esophagus, and eventually into your stomach.
While the procedure may cause slight discomfort, it is generally not painful. Once the catheter is securely in place, you'll find that you can still talk and breathe normally.
Once the catheter in place, you will lie down. The test will then measure the pressures generated by your esophageal muscles both at rest and during swallowing. You will be asked to take multiple sips of an electrolyte solution, such as Gatorade, so the catheter can accurately assess how well your esophagus moves liquids into your stomach.
The actual measurement part of the esophageal manometry takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes. After the procedure, you can immediately resume your regular activities, including eating, drinking, and taking any medications you may have missed before the test.
Will There Be Side Effects Afterward?
After the procedure you may experience:
- Slight sore throat.
- Minor nosebleed.
- Minor headache.
- Congestion.
Why Choose Cooper for an Esophageal Manometry
Cooper Gastroenterology provides you with superior care with unique advantages:
- Nationally recognized physician experts. Our physicians offer a level of experience and clinical excellence in gastroenterology that is unmatched in South Jersey.
- Support staff with special training in gastroenterology. An all-RN staff of specially trained nurses provides patients with a superior level of care.
- Attention to both general and complex gastrointestinal (GI) problems. We understand that GI problems of any kind can impact an individual’s quality of life. Our physicians approach each individual need, whether general or complex, with the same attention to detail and resolution.
- World-class care in your neighborhood. Services are available at our convenient outpatient locations throughout South Jersey and the Delaware Valley. Our center in Mount Laurel has been awarded for excellence by The American Society for Gastroenterology Endoscopy as one of the few in the South Jersey area for our cleanliness, attention to detail, and quality outcomes.
Contact Us
To learn more about esophageal manometry or to make an appointment, please call 800.8.COOPER (800.826.6737).