Esophageal Manometry at UPMC Susquehanna

Esophageal manometry is a diagnostic procedure that’s performed by your gastroenterologist to measure the pressure inside the lower part of your esophagus (the tube that connects your throat to your stomach). It determines whether your esophagus is contracting and relaxing properly so as to let food and liquid through.

If your physician recommends an esophageal manometry in Williamsport, PA, rely on the gastroenterologists at UPMC Susquehanna to provide expert care.

Why Esophageal Manometry Is Performed

The esophagus is the tube that carries food from your mouth into your stomach. When you swallow, muscles in your esophagus push food toward the stomach while valves inside the esophagus open to let food and liquid through. The valves then close to prevent food, fluids and stomach acid from moving backward. There may be problems in the esophagus that impair its ability to move food toward the stomach, or cause the food to come back up again.

The procedure might have been recommended by your doctor in order to evaluate symptoms of acid reflux (like heartburn or nausea) or problems swallowing.

Esophageal Manometry Prep

If you are scheduled for an esophageal manometry, your doctor might ask that you take the time to follow a preparation procedure. This could involve restricting your diet to clear liquids 24 hours prior to the procedure, or stopping or delaying your current medications. You should not have anything to eat or drink at least three hours before the test. We ask that you follow the preparations as prescribed by your doctor to ensure a successful procedure without complications.

How It Works

Esophageal manometry is an outpatient procedure that lasts approximately 30 minutes. During the procedure, a thin, pressure-sensitive tube with sensors will be inserted through your mouth or nose and guided into your stomach. When it is in your stomach it is pulled slowly back into your esophagus. You will then be asked to swallow, and the pressure of your esophagus contracting and relaxing is measured. You might feel some slight discomfort or feel like gagging as the tube is put into place. A numbing medication might be used to help ease some of this discomfort and help you relax. When the procedure is complete, the tube will be slowly removed.

After the Procedure

If your throat was numbed before the test, you will not be able to eat until it is no longer numb or you are able to swallow without choking. Then you may resume eating and drinking normally.

Plan on having someone to drive you home after the test. You will not be allowed to drive or operate machinery, and you will not be allowed to return to work for 24 hours. A nurse will call you with results following the procedure.

Schedule a Esophageal Manometry in Williamsport, PA

Visit the Digestive Disease Center at Williamsport Regional Medical Center, located on the 5th floor, or call (570) 321-3454 to make an appointment. For a direct referral for endoscopy, please call (570) 321-3331.

Digestive Disease Center at UPMC Susquehanna offers a wide range of diagnostic testing, including esophageal manometry, in Williamsport, PA and the surrounding areas.