Overview
Esophageal manometry (muh-NOM-uh-tree) is a test that shows how well the esophagus is working. It measures muscle contractions of the esophagus as water moves through to the stomach. This test can be helpful in diagnosing esophageal conditions, especially if you have trouble swallowing.
The esophagus is a long, muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. When you swallow, your esophagus squeezes from top to bottom. These contractions push food into the stomach. Esophageal manometry measures the strength of these contractions. Also, it shows how well these muscles work together to move food.
During esophageal manometry, a thin, flexible tube is passed through the nose. This tube, also called a catheter, has pressure sensors. It goes down the esophagus and into the stomach.
Esophageal manometry might be used to help diagnose these rare conditions:
- Achalasia. In this condition, the lower esophageal sphincter muscle doesn’t relax enough to let food enter the stomach. Symptoms include trouble swallowing and food coming back up the throat.
- Diffuse esophageal spasm. This happens when contractions of esophageal muscles are frequent, forceful and out of sync. This can result in trouble swallowing or chest pain.
- Scleroderma. In scleroderma, muscles in the lower esophagus stop moving, causing severe gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). Scleroderma is a progressive condition.
Why it’s done
Your care team might suggest esophageal manometry if you have symptoms that raise concerns about how your esophagus is working.
Esophageal manometry shows movement patterns as water flows from the esophagus to the stomach. The test measures the muscles at the top and bottom of the esophagus. These are called the sphincter muscles. The test shows how well these muscles open and close. Also, it measures the pressure, speed and wave pattern of muscle contractions along the esophagus when water is swallowed.
Other tests might be needed based on your symptoms. These tests show or rule out other issues such as esophageal narrowing, complete blockage or inflammation. If your main symptom is pain or trouble swallowing, you might need an x-ray or upper endoscopy. During an upper endoscopy, a healthcare professional uses a tiny camera on the end of a tube to see the upper digestive system. This includes the esophagus, stomach, and first 6 inches (15 centimeters) of the small bowel. This test is usually done before esophageal manometry.
If your healthcare professional has recommended anti-reflux surgery to treat GERD, you might need esophageal manometry first. This helps rule out achalasia or scleroderma, which GERD surgery can’t treat.
If you’ve tried GERD treatments but still have chest pain not caused by your heart, your care professional might recommend esophageal manometry.
