Esophageal Manometry

The purpose of esophageal manometry is to measure the pressures in your esophagus when you are resting and when you swallow. These pressures will tell us if your esophagus is working normally. The most common uses for the test are to:

  • Diagnose esophageal motility disorders (e.g., spasms and achalasia)
  • Prepare for and follow-up anti-reflux surgery
  • Evaluate results of medical and surgical treatment
  • Determine lower esophageal sphincter pressure before a 24-hour pH study
  • Evaluate non-cardiac chest pain
  • Evaluate non-mechanical dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)

To prepare for the study:

  • Do not eat or drink anything after midnight (If you are diabetic, please talk to your primary care doctor)
  • You may take scheduled medications at least two hours prior to the study with small sips of water
  • You may brush your teeth
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