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General Stats:

Description: Food is carried down the esophagus into the stomach by waves of muscle contractions in the esophagus called paristaltic contractions. There are diseases of the esophagus in which these contractions are absent or are irregular. Esophageal manometry involves placing a small, pressure-sensing tube into the esophagus and measuring the paristaltic contractions. A nurse and possibly a Gastroenterologist perform the test at a hospital, endoscopy center, or doctor's office. A Gastroenterologist interprets the results. The test takes 30-90 minutes to perform
Discomfort - There is some discomfort associated with the passage of the catheter through the nose.
Results - 1-3 days.
Discomfort:
Discomfort associated with having a catheter inserted through the nose.
Risks of Procedure - Minimal. The catheter can cause nose bleeding.
Average Cost - $$
Other names: Motility Study.
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To evaluate swallowing problems, particularly when a problem with the muscle contractions of the esophagus is suspected.
To identify the cause of chest pain when heart problems have been ruled out.
To evaluate the strength of contractions in the esophagus prior to surgery on the esophagus.
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Nothing should be consumed for 8 hours before the test, except medications as directed by your doctor.
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A local anesthetic is sprayed into the throat to aid in passage of the catheter.
You sit in an upright position with your chin down.
The catheter (a thin, flexible tube) is passed through one of your nostrils and guided down the esophagus into the stomach.
After the catheter is passed into the stomach, the recording of pressures in the esophagus begins. You drink small sips of water as the catheter is withdrawn.
If chest pain is being evaluated, certain medications may be administered in an attempt to reproduce the pain.
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If your throat was sprayed with oral sedation, you should not eat or drink until it wears off (up to 2 hours after the test).
You are free to resume normal activities.
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This is the best test to evaluate the muscle contractions of the esophagus.
Some causes of chest pain can be identified when other tests have been non-conclusive.
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Disadvantages