The esophagus is the tube that goes from the mouth to the stomach. The esophageal manometry test measures how the esophagus works, its contractions and also to test sphincters (valves) that separate it from the throat and stomach. In other words, the test evaluates how the esophagus moves fluids into your stomach normally.
Dr Kethu recommends manometry in certain patients who have the following symptoms-
Twenty-four hours before the test: Stop taking calcium channel blocker medicine (e.g. Verapamil, Nifedipine, Cardizem), nitrate medicine (e.g. isosorbide, nitroglycerin)Reglan (metoclopramide) and Baclofen. These medicines affect the way the esophagus contracts.
Twelve hours before the test: Stop taking sedative medicine (e.g. Valium, Xanax).
Four hours before the test: Stop eating.
One hour before the test: Stop drinking fluids.
During the test-
You will be seated in a procedure room. The procedure nurse will numb and lubricate your nose with viscous lidocaine. It may be necessary to use numbing spray on your throat as well.
The nurse will insert the manometry probe, which is a little larger and wider than a pencil, into your nose and then guide it into your stomach. The nurse will ask you to take sips of water to assist with the insertion. This part of the procedure can be uncomfortable, and generally takes 1-5 minutes to complete.
Once the probe is placed in position, you will be asked to lie down on your back, and the nurse will pull the probe out a few centimeters to get it in its final position.
Now the test can begin. It consists of two phases: liquid phase and viscous phase. During the liquid phase, you will be asked to perform ten swallows, each of which consists of approximately 1 teaspoon of saline. During the viscous phase, you will perform ten swallows of a viscous solution.
If your esophagus is particularly long, you may be asked to perform ten extra liquid swallows at the end of the study.
When the the study is complete, the nurse will remove the manometry probe, and you will be able to leave.
This test usually lasts between 30 and 45 minutes.
After the test-
You can resume normal diet and activities.
You may have a sore throat, which is normal. Over-the-counter lozenges and/or salt water gargles can help.
The study must be analyzed and then interpreted by Dr Kethu. This process may take up to a week. After it is interpreted, someone from our office will call you to discuss or schedule an office appointment to discuss the results.