Esophageal manometry is used to measure pressures along the entire length of the esophagus. It is an essential test when there is suspicion that the patient has a motor disorder of the esophagus. Esophageal motor disorders are alterations in esophageal motility whose symptoms include one or more of the following: difficulty swallowing, feeling of food stuck in the chest, chest pain, and weight loss due to limitations in eating.
On the other hand, esophageal manometry is performed to determine the characteristics of the lower esophageal sphincter (the valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach) in people suffering from gastroesophageal reflux, whose symptoms include one or more of the following: heartburn, a sensation of liquid returning to the mouth, chest pain, chronic cough, and dysphonia.
Another indication is the evaluation of motility before esophageal surgery.
It is important to know that before performing a manometry, we must have an anatomical study such as a digestive endoscopy, which has ruled out any organic disease of the esophagus.
Esophageal manometry is a test performed while the patient is awake. It lasts approximately 10-20 minutes. You must fast for 8 hours beforehand. Local anesthesia in gel form is applied to one of the nostrils and a probe is inserted through the nose. This tube goes where food goes, not where air goes, so you will not feel short of breath at any time. Once the tube is in place, you will be asked to take ten sips of salt water. In some cases, other complementary tests may be performed: sips of viscous and solid substances, deep breaths, five quick sips, drinking a glass of water, etc.
After this, the probe is removed and the doctor analyzes the study.
