Diagnosing Reflux: What Is An Esophageal Manometry

For patients with recurring reflux attacks, daily life can be a struggle. If you have started the process of solving your reflux issues, your doctor has likely mentioned gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) to you. To diagnose you with GERD and rule out more severe afflictions, your reflux specialist will likely want to perform an esophageal manometry— one of four diagnosing tools that we have in our toolkit here at the Tampa Bay Reflux Center.

What Is An Esophageal Manometry?

This is a relatively quick procedure— about 30 minutes— that uses a very thin tube (a catheter) inserted through your nose and down into your esophagus. The catheter has sensors along its length; these sensors will measure the strength of your esophageal contractions (called peristalsis). Abnormal readings from this test may indicate conditions like achalasia, diffuse esophageal spasm, or scleroderma. 

The contractions in your esophagus may end up being normal.  In this case, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is probably to blame for your reflux symptoms.

How Do I Prepare For An Esophageal Manometry?

While most doctors will ask you to refrain from eating anything for about twelve hours before your procedure, always follow your preparation instructions properly. Some patients have sensitive gag reflexes, so your stomach should be completely empty before you have this procedure done.

Is An Esophageal Manometry Painful?

Your scoping technician or nurse will use a local anesthetic spray so that you won’t feel much. However, you will still feel some pressure, and you may gag when the catheter enters your esophagus. Many patients also find that their eyes water while the catheter is being inserted. Once the tiny tube is in place, there should be minimal pain; you will be asked to lie down and take a drink or two for each measurement. 

When the test is over, the catheter will be removed; you may experience numbness or soreness in your throat and a nosebleed after your procedure - these are all normal and will resolve within a few hours after your test is through.  Your results should be available fairly soon after your procedure, depending on how busy your reflux doctor is; he or she will contact you when they have had a chance to look over the test results.  At this point, they may schedule further tests or talk to you about your treatment options.

Esophageal Manometry In Tampa Bay

We offer esophageal manometry and more diagnostic tests here at the Tampa Bay Reflux Center; talk to a reflux specialist today to help you rule out other conditions. If you have GERD, we also have some minimally invasive procedures that can help you get your reflux under control.  There’s no need to struggle with acid reflux for the rest of your life; contact us today to start getting your symptoms under control.