Oesophageal manometry (also called oesophageal motility) is a procedure to measure the strength and function of your oesophagus and provides information about how the muscles in your throat and oesophagus work as food and liquids pass from the mouth to the stomach.
The most common use for oesophageal manometry is to evaluate the lower oesophageal sphincter in patients who have gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).
Manometry often can identify weakness in the lower oesophageal sphincter that allows stomach acid and contents to back up into the oesophagus.
Manometry can diagnose several oesophageal conditions that result in food sticking after it is swallowed. For example, achalasia is a condition in which the muscle of the lower oesophageal sphincter does not relax with each swallow. As a result, food is trapped within the oesophagus. Manometry reveals an absence of the waves and the contraction of the muscle everywhere in the oesophagus at the same time.
Abnormal function of the body of the oesophagus may result in food getting stuck. In patients with scleroderma the waves of muscular contractions fail to occur. With oesophageal spasm the entire oesophageal muscle may contract at one time which can cause discomfort, pain and obstruct food passage.
Oesophageal manometry is performed for the following reasons:
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You will have a formal consultation with a healthcare professional. During this time you will be able to explain your medical history, symptoms and raise any concerns that you might have.
We will also discuss with you whether any further diagnostic tests, such as scans or blood tests, are needed. Any additional costs will be discussed before further tests are carried out.
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Our dedicated team will also give you tailored advice to follow in the run up to your visit.
You should not eat for up to 6-12-hours before the test but you can drink water up until the start of the study.
You will be advised about which medications you should stop before the test.
The results from your oesophageal manometry will be reported on by the consultant clinical scientist and forwarded to your referring consultant where your next steps can be discussed and organised.
Side effects
These are minor and include mild sore throat, rare nose bleed and, very uncommon sinus problems due to irritation and blockage of the ducts leading from the sinuses and into the nose.
We are committed to delivering excellent individual care and customer service across our network of hospitals, clinics and specialist care centres around the UK. Our dedicated and highly trained team aim to achieve consistently excellent results. For us it's more than just treating patients, it's about looking after people.
The treatment described on this page may be adapted to meet your individual needs, so it's important to follow your healthcare professional's advice and raise any questions that you may have with them.
You'll find us 3 miles (about 20 minutes) to the south west of Sheffield city centre. Spire Claremont Hospital is located in Crosspool, just along Sandygate Road. We're nearby to Barnsley, Rotherham, Chesterfield, Bakewell or the Hope Valley.
401 Sandygate Road
Sheffield
S10 5UB
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