Manometry
What are Manometry Studies?
Oesophageal manometry provides information about the function of the oesophagus. When we swallow, liquids and solids are normally propelled along the oesophagus into the stomach by coordinated contractions of muscle in its walls. This process is called peristalsis and requires coordination by complex nervous reflexes. In diseases of the oesophagus including GORD (Gastro Oesophageal Reflux Disease), the normal function of the oesophagus can fail.
High Resolution Manometry
We use a technique called high resolution manometry (HRM) which is the most up to date technology available. It assesses the co-ordination and strength of peristalsis, determines how well the upper and lower oesophageal sphincters are performing and how well solids and liquids travel through the oesophagus. It can identify disorders related to reflux, as well as others that have alternative causes and may require different treatments.
In this short video Mr Nick Boyle, Medical Director at RefluxUK, talks about high resolution manometry and how we use it to inform your treatment.
How Is It Performed?
The manometry procedure takes approximately 20-30 minutes. First, the nostril is numbed with a local anaesthetic spray. Using this spray means that oesophageal manometry studies are not painful, and rarely uncomfortable. A small flexible tube called a catheter is passed through the nostril and down into the oesophagus. The tube has tiny sensors which measure the pressure exerted by the muscles in the wall of the oesophagus. The patient will demonstrate swallowing food and drinking liquid, whilst the tube relays the information to a computer.
What Will the Tests Show?
The information gained from this test allows objective evaluation of the swallowing mechanism. For example, some patients with reflux-like symptoms may be found to be experiencing aerophagia (increased swallowing of air) or rumination (forced regurgitation of food). Recognising that these issues are occurring is important for optimised treatment, which is why expert interpretation of manometry findings is so important.
A manometry test is also essential to identify if you are suitable for anti-reflux surgery and, if so, what type of surgery will be best for you. For instance, your specialist will want to be sure that the strength of peristalsis in the oesophagus is sufficient to open the magnets in a LINX® device so swallowing will be easy following surgery. More information on the ‘LINX® Procedure’ can be found here.
If you do have poor oesophageal motility, you may still be eligible for the ‘RefluxStop™ Procedure’, which does not directly affect the oesophagus.
If you’d like to discuss this further or have a manometry study, please click the link below to get in touch with the RefluxUK team: