Oesophageal manometry
“Hospital without walls”
The Oesophagus
The Oesophagus (or gullet) is a muscular tube, which transports food from the mouth
to the stomach. There is a ring-like muscle (called a sphincter) at the end of the
oesophagus, which prevents stomach contents from moving back up into the
oesophagus. During swallowing, the sphincter relaxes to let food and drink pass
through.
Sometimes, either the sphincter, or the oesophagus, or both, do not work properly, and
can lead to:




Dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing)
Odynophagia (pain on swallowing)
Non-cardiac chest pain (chest pain which is not due to heart problems)
Heartburn (acid from the stomach splashing up into the oesophagus).
Your doctor or nurse may suggest a number of tests, one of which could be
oesophageal manometry.
What is Oesophageal Manometry?
This is the measurement of muscle strength within the oesophagus, which can give
your doctor or nurse information about your swallowing reflex, and the strength and
function of the oesophageal sphincter.
Why do I need oesophageal manometry?
The test is performed for a number of reasons:





You are having difficulty or pain on swallowing
You are getting chest pain (non-cardiac)
You have heartburn and are not responding to medication
You have chronic heartburn and are being considered for surgery
You have symptoms (such as a chronic hoarse voice) which may be related
to reflux.
What preparation is required?
 Certain medications (such as acid suppressants) will need to be stopped for
a number of days – your doctor or nurse will advise you.
 You will not be allowed to eat or drink for 6 hours prior to the test, for safety
reasons.
 You will not be sedated, and can therefore resume your normal activities
after the test. You may drive, and resume eating and drinking.
How is it performed?
A doctor, nurse or technician will perform the manometry study. They will first of all
take a history of your complaint and then explain the procedure in detail. Your written
consent is required. Please feel free to ask any questions or ask for further clarification
from the health care professional carrying out the test.
Your nose and throat will be numbed with some nasal drops to minimise discomfort
and a thin flexible tube will then be passed through the nose into the stomach. You
will be able to breathe, swallow and talk with the tube in position. During the course
of the test, you will need to lie down on a couch and may be asked to take deep
breaths or swallow water or bread. If possible, please do not talk or swallow unless
requested to do so.
Are there any side effects?
The majority of patients do not experience any side effects. However, some patients
may find that their throat is a little sore for a few hours afterwards. If you frequently
suffer from sinusitis, the procedure may induce a flare-up.
Can I bring someone with me?
You are welcome to bring along a relative or friend to support you and who can stay
with you throughout the procedure if you wish.
When will I get the results?
Your doctor will have the results at your next clinic visit. If you do not have an
appointment, one will be made for you.
I am still worried. How can I get more information?
Oesophageal manometry testing is carried out in the Louise Ryan Unit. If you would
like to speak to someone personally, please contact us on the number below and the
staff in the unit will be happy to answer any questions you have.
Louise Ryan GI Diagnostic Unit
10th floor, Royal Free Hospital
Tel/Fax 020 7830 2923