A man holding his stomach in discomfort Oesophageal
Manometry
Why is manometry performed?

Your doctor may recommend that you have manometry if you have difficulty swallowing, especially if other testing such as gastroscopy and x-rays are normal. MAnometry is usually required prior to anti-reflux surgery to make sure that the muscles of the oesophagus are functioning normally.

Manometry may be useful to help diagnose:

  • Diffuse oesophageal spasm which is a rare swallowing problem characterised by forceful and poorly coordinated contractions of the oesophagus.
  • Achalasia which is a condition caused by impaired relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter.
  • Scleroderma. This is a rare progressive disease in which the muscles of the lower oesophageal sphincter stop moving, leading to severe gastro-oesophageal reflux.
Oesophageal manometry is a test used to assess the function of the oesophageal muscles and the lower oesophageal sphincter (a valve which helps to prevent reflux of gastric acid into the oesophagus). It is useful in showing if your oesophagus can move food into your stomach normally.

A thin flexible catheter is passed through the nose and down the oesophagus. The nasal passage and throat are numbed with a local anaesthetic spray to place the tube. You may experience some gagging or mild discomfort in the nose or back of the throat but generally this is well-tolerated. The tube from your nose is connected to a computer that measures the squeezing pressure of your oesophagus while you swallow small sips of water and jelly.

You will be at the Cambridge Specialist Centre for approximately 45 minutes.

What is the preparation for manometry?
  • Do not have anything to eat or drink for six hours before the procedure.
  • Take your usual medication in the morning of your appointment with a small sip of water.
  • After the probe has been placed you can eat and drink normally.
  • Inform the Cambridge Specialist Centre before the procedure if you have diabetes or if you are on any blood thinning medication (anticoagulants) such as aspirin or warfarin.

What happens after manometry?

Once the test is complete you can continue with your normal activities and eat and drink normally. The information from your test is analysed by Dr James Fulforth who is a gastroenterologist trained in the interpretation of manometry. The results will be sent to your referring specialist who will contact you to arrange a follow up.

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