If you’re having difficulty swallowing, frequent acid reflux, heartburn, or other upper digestive tract issues, esophageal manometry may help you find out why. At Hampshire Gastroenterology Associates, LLC in Florence, Massachusetts, highly trained gastroenterologists use high-tech equipment to find the root cause of your issues and devise a treatment plan that works for you. Call the office to arrange your appointment now.
Esophageal manometry is a procedure used to check your esophagus and lower esophageal sphincter. The esophagus is the tube that moves food from your throat to your stomach, and your lower esophageal sphincter is the ring of muscle that opens and closes as you swallow.
During the test, sensors check the pressure and contractions in the bottom part of your esophagus.
You might need esophageal manometry if you’re having symptoms such as:
If your Hampshire Gastroenterology Associates, LLC provider suspects you have a condition like chronic acid reflux (GERD) or an esophagus function issue, esophageal manometry is a likely diagnostic test.
Esophageal manometry can also diagnose less common causes of these symptoms.
You’ll receive a local anesthetic to prevent throat and nose discomfort during the procedure. Esophageal manometry usually doesn’t require sedation. You’ll sit up for the insertion of a long, flexible tube that goes through your nose and down your throat and esophagus. The tube has pressure sensors throughout, which measures pressure and esophagus movement.
With the tube in place, you’ll lie on your left side. Your provider guides you to take small sips of water as they slowly withdraw the tube. Swallowing activates the sensors in the tube, which generates the information your provider needs to evaluate your esophagus function.
Your provider analyzes the information to make a diagnosis and determine the proper treatment steps.
After esophageal manometry, you can usually drive yourself home. You can expect some minor discomfort in your nose and throat, but you can resume your regular activities right away.
You’ll return to Hampshire Gastroenterology Associates, LLC to discuss your esophageal manometry results and treatment plan with your provider. Your treatment may include medication, lifestyle changes, and, in rare cases, surgery.
Hampshire Gastroenterology Associates, LLC uses advanced diagnostic strategies like esophageal manometry to determine your condition and give you the most accurate treatment. Call the office to arrange your appointment now.