What is oesophageal manometry?
The oesophagus is a tube that connects your mouth with your stomach. The walls of the oesophagus are very muscular, and contract (squeeze) rhythmically when you swallow to help move food and liquids into your stomach. This action is called peristalsis.
In some people these contractions do not work properly. In such cases, a test known as oesophageal manometry may be needed to help diagnose the problem. Difficulty swallowing may be experienced if the contractions of your oesophagus are too weak or irregular, while chest pain may result if the contractions are too strong.
This test will measure how well the muscles and nerves in your oesophagus work.
What to expect during your oesophageal manometry?
A thin soft tube is passed through your nose or mouth and into the oesophagus. The tube has pressure sensors along its wall and, when in place, can measure the pressure that is produced by the oesophageal muscles when relaxing or squeezing.
You will be asked to take small sips of water so that the pressures during the swallowing action can be recorded and analysed using a computer.
Anaesthesia is generally not required for the procedure, although anaesthetic spray may, if necessary, be used on your throat to minimise discomfort.
Once all the information has been gathered the tube is removed and the test is completed. The whole procedure generally takes about an hour, although a complete analysis of the test results may take several days.
What is 24-hour pH monitoring
This test is used to measure the amount of acidic stomach contents that may be leaking back up from the stomach into the oesophagus.
These measurements are taken for a 24-hour period so that we can see what happens after meals and at night when you are asleep.
The test will also show us how your symptoms correlate with the presence of acid in your oesophagus.
What to expect during your pH manometry
A thin tube or catheter with a pH probe on the end is gently passed through your nose. You will be asked to drink some water through a straw to help the tube move down the oesophagus. You will be able to breathe normally at all times.
The end of the tube will be positioned in the lower oesophagus and taped to secure it. It is attached to a small recording device which is worn on a shoulder strap. The tip of the catheter is placed 5cm above your LOS (measured at the preceding manometry).
Once the tube is in place you may feel a sensation in your throat, but this should settle down quickly.
You will be given a set of instructions before you leave and will be asked to fill in a diary of your symptoms, meals and when you lie down (e.g. to sleep at night).
You should eat, sleep and carry out your daily routine as normal.
The next day you should come back to have the tube removed, which takes a few seconds and is painless.
24 hour BP Monitoring