Understanding Esophageal Testing or Manometry

Address

825 W. Monroe Street #2
Grenada, MS 38901

Hours of Operation:

Monday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Friday: 8:00am – 5:00pm

Gastroenterology Associates of North
Mississippi, PA

1208 Office Park Drive Oxford, MS 38655Main Number: (662)234-9888 or Toll Free: (800)489-0988
Main Fax: (662) 281-8927

Oxford Annex
1210 Office Park Drive
Oxford, MS 38655
Main Number: (662)234-9888 or Toll Free: (800)489-0988

Grenada Office

825 W. Monroe Street #2 Grenada, MS 38901
Main Number: (662) 294-9888

Hours of Operation:

Hours of operation are subject to change and are available by appointment only. Please contact the office to schedule an appointment.

New Albany Office

Multi-Specialty Clinic on the 5th floor ofBaptist Memorial Hospital – Union County200 Hwy 30 W New Albany, MS 38652
Main Number: (662) 234-9888

Hours of Operation:

Please contact us for our New Albany, MS office days and hours of operation at (662) 234-9888.

Endoscopy Center of North Mississippi

1206 Office Park DriveOxford, MS 38655Main Number: (662)236-1768 or Toll Free: (800)489-0988
Main Fax: 662-236-9898

This information was developed by the Publications Committee of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE). For more information about ASGE,

visit www.asge.org.

This information is intended only to provide general guidance. It does not provide definitive medical advice. It is important that you consult your doctor about your specific condition.

Download this article in PDF format
Don’t have Adobe Reader?Download this article in PDF format
Don’t have Adobe Reader?

Download it here

What is esophageal testing, also called manometry, and why is it performed?

Esophageal testing or manometry measures the pressures and the pattern of muscle contractions in your esophagus. Abnormalities in the contractions and strength of the muscle or in the sphincter at the lower end of the esophagus can result in pain, heartburn, and/or difficulty swallowing. Esophageal manometry is the test used to diagnose the conditions that can cause these symptoms.

How should I prepare for esophageal testing?

An empty stomach allows for the best and safest examination, so do not eat or drink anything for 6 hours before the test. Since many medications can affect esophageal pressure and the natural muscle contractions required for swallowing, be sure to discuss with your healthcare professional each medication you are taking. Your doctor may ask that you temporarily stop taking one or more of these medications before your test.

What can I expect during the test?

A healthcare professional will apply a cream to numb the inside of your nostrils. Then a thin, flexible, lubricated tube will be passed through your nose and advanced into your stomach while you swallow sips of water. Mild, brief gagging may occur while the tube is passed through the throat. When the tube is in position, you will be sitting upright or lying on your back while the tube is connected to a computer. Once the test begins it is important to breathe slowly and smoothly, remain as quiet as possible and avoid swallowing unless instructed to do so. As the tube is slowly pulled out of your esophagus, the computer measures and records the pressures in different parts of your esophagus.

During the test, you may experience some discomfort in your nose and/or throat. The test will take approximately 30 minutes to complete and the results will be sent to your doctor’s office.

What can I expect after the test?

After the test, you may experience mild sore throat, stuffy nose, or a minor nosebleed; all typically improve within hours. Unless your physician has given you other instructions, you may resume normal meals, activities, and any interrupted medications.

What are the possible risks associated with esophageal manometry?

As with any medical procedure, there are certain risks. While serious side effects of this procedure are extremely rare, it is possible that you could experience irregular heartbeats, aspiration (when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus and are breathed into the lung), or perforation (a hole in the esophagus). During insertion, the tube may be misdirected into the windpipe before being repositioned. Precautions are taken to prevent such risks, and your physician believes the risks are outweighed by the benefits of this test.

What if the tube cannot be passed?

In some situations, correct placement of the tube may require passing it through the mouth or passing the tube using endoscopy (a procedure that uses a thin, flexible lighted tube). Your physician will determine the best approach.

Download this article in PDF format
Don’t have Adobe Reader?

Download it here

Important Reminder: This information is intended only to provide general guidance. It does not provide definitive medical advice. It is very important that you consult your doctor about your specific condition.

Since its founding in 1941, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has been dedicated to advancing patient care and digestive health by promoting excellence in gastrointestinal endoscopy. ASGE, with more than 11,000 members worldwide, promotes the highest standards for endoscopic training and practice, fosters endoscopic research, and is the foremost resource for endoscopic education.

This patient education brochure was developed by the Publications Committee of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. This information is the opinion of and provided by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

www.asge.org

and

www.screen4coloncancer.org

1208 Office Park Drive, Oxford, MS 38655
(662)-294-9888

Gastroenterology Associates of North Mississippi – Grenada

825 W Monroe Street #2 Grenada, MS 38901
(662)-294-9888

Contact Us

Facebook

Twitter

Youtube