Esophageal manometry is an important diagnostic test for esophagus movement and pressure problems. At the Centers for Digestive Health in Highland, Gary, Merrillville, Dyer, Crown Point, and DeMotte, Indiana, the skilled board-certified gastroenterologists offer esophageal manometry and other advanced digestive tract testing to find the problem causing discomfort. Then, they design a customized treatment plan for your needs. Call the office in your area or schedule an appointment online.
Esophageal manometry evaluates your esophagus — the tube that carries food from your throat to your stomach — and your lower esophageal sphincter — the muscle ring at the bottom of your esophagus.
If you have symptoms indicating possible esophagus function issues, your doctor may perform esophageal manometry to find the underlying cause.
With these test results, your gastroenterologist can diagnose problems such as GERD, scleroderma, hiatal hernia, and achalasia. Then, they can create an individualized treatment plan to correct both esophageal function and any underlying issues.
Your doctor may perform esophageal manometry to find the cause of symptoms such as:
Esophageal manometry is also a standard test prior to anti-reflux surgery.
A member of the Centers for Digestive Health team gives you instructions before the procedure. You typically have to fast, starting at midnight the night before your scheduled esophageal manometry. In some cases, you may need to pause certain medications as well.
Your doctor administers anesthesia within your nose to minimize any discomfort. Then, they move a slender tube through your nose and down your esophagus.
You swallow tiny sips of water as directed. When you swallow, sensors within the tube measure your esophagus movements, including specific patterns of muscle movement, pressure, and speed. At the same time, the test can check the acid (pH) level within your esophagus.
The entire esophageal manometry procedure takes less than an hour.
Your doctor gives you specific discharge information. Generally, you won't receive a sedative for esophageal manometry testing, so you can drive yourself home from the appointment. Normally, you can eat whenever you feel hungry and may resume your regular routine that same day.
After your doctor assesses the test information, you return to the Centers for Digestive Health to discuss your diagnosis and treatment plan.
At the Centers for Digestive Health, the compassionate gastroenterologists understand that you want answers and solutions for your digestive symptoms. They're ready to help with high-tech tests like esophageal manometry, so book your appointment by phone or through the online booking tool.
