Esophageal Manometry

If you suffer from heartburn or GERD, your doctor may refer you to a surgical center here in Bradenton, Florida for esophageal manometry. Doctors use this procedure to see how well your esophagus moves food toward your stomach. It also will show your doctor how well the muscular valve between your stomach and esophagus does its job of allowing food and liquids into the stomach, and preventing them from moving back from your stomach into your esophagus.

The procedure consists of inserting a tube through your nose and into your throat, and lowering it all the way through your esophagus to your stomach. Although patients are not sedated during the test, your doctor may give you a topical anesthetic to make it more comfortable. You’ll be in a seated position when the tube is inserted, then you will lie down during the test. Each time you swallow, a sensor will record the movements in your esophagus. The test usually takes about half an hour or so.

The day of your esophageal manometry, you’ll need to refrain from eating for 8 hours before your test. There are also certain medications that can alter the results of esophageal manometry, such as antacids, proton pump inhibitors like Nexium or Prilosec, and H2 blockers like Pepcid. Since many GERD and heartburn sufferers take at least one of these, you will need to ask your doctor if you should stop taking the before your test.

After the test, your throat may feel slightly sore. Try gargling with salt water to ease any irritation. If you are in severe pain, be sure to call your doctor. You should be able to get back to eating normally immediately after the test.