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Gastroenterology and Hepatology

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Esophageal Manometric Motility Study

What is an esophageal manometry motility study?
Why would a doctor recommend an esophageal manometry motility study?
What does an esophageal manometry motility study involve?
How long is the recovery after an esophageal manometry motility study?

What is an esophageal manometry motility study?

Manometry measures the strength of an organ's muscles. An esophageal manometry motility study tests the muscles of the esophagus (swallowing tube), as well as the band of muscles at the bottom of the esophagus. If this lower muscle, or sphincter, grows weak or doesn't close the right way, food and liquid can move back up into the esophagus and cause heartburn.

Why would a doctor recommend an esophageal manometry motility study?

  • When a patient has chronic heartburn that might be caused by acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

  • When a patient is having trouble swallowing food, as in achalasia

  • When the doctor thinks a patient's chest pain may be coming from the esophagus

What does an esophageal manometry motility study involve?

The test takes place while you are awake. You will be given medicine to numb and lubricate your nose and/or mouth. The doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube with pressure sensors on its sides into one nostril of your nose (or, occasionally, your mouth) and eases it down into your esophagus, or swallowing tube. You will be asked to swallow several times while the doctor takes readings of the muscle contractions in your esophagus. He or she will record and analyze these measurements with a computer.

The test takes 20 to 30 minutes.


How long is the recovery after an esophageal manometry motility study?

Patients can usually resume regular activity right after the exam.

Disclaimer

Information on the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) website:

  • is not provided as medical advice
  • does not establish a doctor-patient or other relationship
  • is not intended nor should be assumed to guarantee a specific result

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