Why is this procedure done?
The esophagus is a long muscular tube. It connects the mouth to the stomach. There is a muscle at the bottom of this tube. It is called a sphincter muscle. This muscle controls the passage of food and liquids going into the stomach. It also keeps stomach contents from backing up into the esophagus. This is reflux or GERD, which stands for gastro esophageal reflux. ‚
Esophageal manometry is a special kind of test. It helps the doctor learn how well your esophagus is working. This test also looks at the sphincter muscle. It shows if the muscle is opening and closing the right way. Problems with your esophagus and the muscle at the end of it can cause pain in your throat or chest. You may also have heartburn or trouble swallowing. ‚
What will the results be?
This test may help your doctor find problems, like: ‚
- Trouble swallowing
- Sphincter muscle not working the right way to let food enter the stomach
- If the muscles that move the food down to the stomach are not working the right way
What happens before the procedure?
Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. Talk to the doctor about: ‚
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- If you need to stop any of your drugs. Some drugs can affect swallowing and may change the test results.
What happens during the procedure?
- You will be awake for the procedure. This will let the doctor talk with you. You may need to swallow at certain times during the procedure.
- You will either sit or lie down. The doctor may give you a numbing drug or cream for your throat and nose.
- The doctor will put a small, thin flexible tube into your mouth or nose. It will go down to your stomach. This tube is joined to a computer. The computer records the activity of the muscles in your esophagus.
- The tube is very small and you will still be able to breathe easily.
- Once the test starts, it is important to breathe slowly and smoothly. Stay as quiet as possible. Avoid swallowing unless the doctor asks you to do so.
- The doctor will slowly move the tube and ask you to swallow. The computer will record the strength, pressure, and muscle squeezing of your esophagus.
- The doctor may ask you to repeat swallowing many times, most often with sips of water.
- You may feel slight pain and a gagging feeling during this procedure.
- When the study is ended, the doctor will take the tube out carefully.
- This procedure may take 30 to 60 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
- Ask your doctor when the results will be ready.
- You may have a mild sore throat, bleeding, or stuffy nose.
- You may go home and go back to your normal activities.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- You may feel sore or have a stuffy nose for a few days. Your doctor will give you drugs to ease the pain.
- If the tube was put in your throat, you may rinse your mouth and throat after the procedure. Rinse with antibacterial mouthwash or salt water.
What follow-up care is needed?
The results will help your doctor understand what kind of problem you have with your esophagus. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Sore throat
- Stuffy nose
- Mild nosebleed
- Upset stomach
- Injury to the digestive tract lining
- More saliva than normal, which can cause aspiration into the lungs
- Abnormal heartbeat during the procedure
- Hole in the esophagus
Where can I learn more?
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy ‚
http://www.asge.org/patients/patients.aspx?id=6822 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚