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Vincent B. Delumpa M.D., FACS
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Northern Surgical Consultants
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Esophageal Manometry (or a Motility Study) is a test looking at the FUNCTION of the esophagus. This is in contrast to the well-regarded upper endoscopy and barium swallow that looks at the ANATOMY or configuration of the esophagus as it relates to the stomach.
In a motility study, the patient is asked to “swallow” a flexible tube. This tube is about 3 mm thick and has sensors attached to the tube at different levels. The patient is then asked to swallow 5 ml of water at a time. The movement or peristalsis of the esophagus is measured during these swallows. In addition the “squeezing” pressures of the lower esophageal sphincter and at times the upper esophageal sphincter is measured.
The esophageal and sphincter measurements can be used to provide the clinician with important information as it relates to the patient’s overall clinical condition. It must be understood that this test is only a piece of the overall patient’s clinical findings. Esophageal dysfunction can be a primary esophageal abnormality or a secondary aspect of a more generalized disease.
The test is run in my office. Typically, the patient should not eat less than 6 hours prior to the test. The patient is placed in a semi-upright position. After the tube is placed the motility test lasts about 20 minutes. There is some discomfort involved with the test and patients with a severe gag reflex may have some difficulties. We will help you through this, however. Results can be analyzed and sent to the ordering physician in a few days.
Indications for motility studies are gastroesophageal reflux disease (especially when there is a failure of medical therapy) dysphagia (or difficulty swallowing), and atypical chest pain. Of course MECHANICAL causes of esophageal disease must be ruled out with an upper endoscopy or barium swallow. Contact my office if you have any questions on this test.
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