High Resolution Esophageal Manometry (Esophageal Mano)
Esophageal manometry examines the movement and pressures of your esophagus. At the University of Michigan, this test is performed by one of our experienced technicians and is interpreted by one of our gastroenterologists with dedicated expertise in the motility of the esophagus. Our experts perform more than 400 esophageal manometry procedures each year.
How is Esophageal Manometry Performed?
This test will involve the placement of a small catheter through your nasal passage, or nostril, and then swallowed into your esophagus with drinks of water. The catheter is a bit thicker than the power cord for a smartphone. You will be able to swallow, talk and breathe without any difficulty during the test. We will record the movement and pressures of your esophagus as you drink small amounts of water. Your appointment will take about 1 hour. The tube will be in your nose and down your esophagus for 15 to 20 minutes.
You should not eat or drink after midnight the night before your test when scheduled for a morning appointment. If scheduled for an afternoon appointment, you may have clear liquids until 9 a.m. on the day of your exam, then nothing by mouth after that time. Your doctor might additionally recommend fasting except for clear liquids at least 24 hours before the procedure You can take most of your typical morning medications with small sips of water. Please notify the nurse if you have diabetes and take insulin.
Why is it performed?
Esophageal manometry is performed in order to determine the cause for symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or regurgitation, and is useful for planning surgery for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) . It is also important for the accurate placement of an ambulatory reflux monitoring catheter (a separate test).
What are the potential complications with the procedure?
Esophageal manometry is very safe. You will likely feel some discomfort in the nose and throat, but this is temporary and mild. Rarely, there could be a nose bleed as a result of the procedure. Extremely rarely, there could be a tear in the wall of the esophagus, throat or lung.
What happens after the procedure?
Immediately following the procedure, you can leave. You do not need a driver for this procedure as there is no sedation. Your doctor will receive the final results of the procedure in about 1 week, and will communicate the results to you.
Where is the test performed?
This test will be run in the GI Physiology Laboratory in the Medical Procedures Unit, located at University Hospital level 2B353.
Make an Appointment
To make an appointment for esophageal manometry or other GI procedure, call the University of Michigan Medical Procedures Unit at 877-758-2626.
If you are unable to keep your appointment or if you have questions regarding the test or medications, please call the GI Physiology Lab in the MPU at (734) 936-9250, option 2.