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Motility Testing

GERD

Esophageal Manometry

Your esophagus is a muscular tube that moves food and liquids from your mouth down to your stomach with a wave-like motion called peristalsis.

Esophageal Manometry is a motility test used to evaluate problems with peristalsis and pressure in the esophagus that may lead to the following problems:

– Difficulty Swallowing
– Heartburn or Reflux
– Non-Cardiac Chest Pain
– Esophageal Motility Disorders
– Achalasia
– Nutcracker Esophagus
– Esophageal Spasm

 

How is the test performed?

Esophageal Manometry involves a small tube passed through the nose into the esophagus. The nostril is anesthetized with a numbing lubricant to minimize discomfort. Once inside the esophagus, the tube allows the pressures generated by the esophageal muscle to be measured when the muscle is at rest and during swallows. This test helps physicians interpret whether there is a problem with motility of the esophagus or the function of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

Suburban Gastroenterology