Specialist Oesophageal Manometry Testing in Brisbane

Esophageal Manometry

High Resolution Esophageal Manometry (Esophageal Mano).

Esophageal manometry examines the movement and pressures of your esophagus. At the Reflux and Swallowing Center, this test is performed by one of our experienced technicians and is interpreted by one of our gastroenterologists with dedicated expertise in the motility of the esophagus. Our experts perform more than 400 esophageal manometry procedures each year.

How is Esophageal Manometry Performed?

This test will involve the placement of a small catheter through your nasal passage, or nostril, and then swallowed into your esophagus with drinks of water. The catheter is a bit thicker than the power cord for a smartphone. You will be able to swallow, talk and breathe without any difficulty during the test. We will record the movement and pressures of your esophagus as you drink small amounts of water. Your appointment will take about 1 hour. The tube will be in your nose and down your esophagus for 15 to 20 minutes.

You should not eat or drink after midnight the night before your test when scheduled for a morning appointment. If scheduled for an afternoon appointment, you may have clear liquids until 9 a.m. on the day of your exam, then nothing by mouth after that time. Your doctor might additionally recommend fasting except for clear liquids at least 24 hours before the procedure You can take most of your typical morning medications with small sips of water. Please notify the nurse if you have diabetes and take insulin.

Why is it performed?

Esophageal manometry is performed in order to determine the cause for symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or regurgitation, and is useful for planning surgery for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) . It is also important for the accurate placement of an ambulatory reflux monitoring catheter (a separate test).