JACHO Notice

Esophageal Manometry

This procedure is used to determine the function of muscles in the esophagus when muscle disease is suspected.  Esophageal manometry is used in three situations:

During this procedure, one nostril is anaesthetized.  A 1/8" tube is then inserted into the numbed nostril and pushed down into the esophagus as the patient swallows.  Pressure in the esophagus can then be measured during periods or rest and swallow.  This procedure takes about 20-30 min.

Esophageal manometry is a limited procedure because many of the symptoms associated with GERD, dysphagia and chest pain are infrequent and may not be present during the time of manometry. 

Side effects to this procedure are: mild sore throat, nose bleed and sinus problems (which are extremely rare).  In some cases, tube can enter the larynx causing the patient to choke.  This problem is almost always recognized immediately and the tube is removed.