Understanding Esophageal Testing or Manometry
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825 W. Monroe Street #2
Grenada, MS 38901
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Gastroenterology Associates of North
Mississippi, PA
1208 Office Park Drive Oxford, MS 38655Main Number: (662)234-9888 or Toll Free: (800)489-0988
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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:
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Multi-Specialty Clinic on the 5th floor ofBaptist Memorial Hospital – Union County200 Hwy 30 W New Albany, MS 38652
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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,
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.
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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.
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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
and
Patient Education
UNDERSTANDING COLON CANCER SCREENING
Make the Best Choice for Your Endoscopic Procedure
Understanding Upper Endoscopy
Understanding Endoscopic Ultrasonography
Understanding Colonoscopy
UNDERSTANDING FLEXIBLE SIGMOIDOSCOPY
UNDERSTANDING COLON POLYPS AND THEIR TREATMENT
Understanding Esophageal Dilation
Understanding Capsule Endoscopy
Understanding Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy
Ensuring the Safety of Your Endoscopic Procedure
Endoscopy After Procedure Instructions
Understanding Diverticulosis
Understanding Esophageal Testing or Manometry
Understanding Minor Rectal Bleeding
ERCP
Understanding Bowel Preparation
Understanding Barrett’s Esophagus
Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Gastroenterology Associates & Endoscopy Center of North Mississippi
- 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